US "Expecting South Korea's Democratic Resilience... Hope Resolution Follows Rule of Law"

On the 9th (local time), the U.S. Department of State expressed hope that the political differences surrounding the impeachment situation would be resolved peacefully in accordance with the rule of law.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, said at a briefing that "what we want to see, and what we have been pleased to witness over the past few days, is South Korea's democratic resilience," adding, "Legal and political processes must proceed in a manner consistent with the rule of law."

Matthew Miller, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson. Photo by Yonhap News.

When asked about the impact of South Korea's political situation on diplomatic consultations between the U.S. and South Korea, Miller responded, "The ROK-U.S. alliance remains ironclad," and "We are fully committed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula."

He also added, "We stand with the Korean people," and "We will keep lines of communication open with all relevant parties in South Korea."

Regarding the question about President Joe Biden's counterpart in South Korea, he replied, "President Yoon is the President of South Korea." He also stated that there is no comment on plans for communication between the two heads of state at this time, adding, "That is a matter for the White House."

On the trilateral consultations among senior diplomatic officials of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan held in Tokyo, he said, "Strengthening the trilateral alliance under this administration has been an important diplomatic engagement, and we will continue to pursue it until the last day of the term."