US: "South Korea's impeachment process operates according to principles... ROK-US alliance remains strong"

Inquiry on 'Handonghun Assassination Plan' Tip
"Unaware Due to US Government-Originated Information"

The U.S. Department of State evaluated the impeachment process underway following President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law as operating in accordance with constitutional and democratic principles.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said at a foreign press center briefing on the 17th (local time) that when asked whether he believed South Korea's democratic institutions and constitutional procedures were functioning properly given President Yoon's lack of cooperation with the prosecution's investigation into the martial law incident, "I will not evaluate every action or statement made by President Yoon," but added, "Broadly speaking, we have witnessed the constitutional process in South Korea functioning as intended over the past few weeks."

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Spokesperson Miller emphasized, "When President Yoon took the action of declaring martial law, the legislature responded with impeachment, and the acting president exercising presidential authority stepped in," adding, "That is how democratic institutions should operate." However, he noted, "That does not mean the process has to be smooth," explaining, "Even in the United States, democracy faces challenges. This was clearly evident about four years ago on January 6th (the Capitol riot by Trump supporters)."

Miller also stated that in dialogues with the South Korean government following the declaration of martial law, the U.S. clearly conveyed its position that "democracy must be respected and the rule of law maintained in South Korea." Regarding the alleged 'second martial law simulation' raised by some, he reiterated a fundamental stance that it is not a matter for him to comment on and that it should be handled according to South Korean law and constitution.

During the briefing, the issue of a purported assassination plot against Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, during the recent martial law incident was also raised. When asked about speculation that the U.S. was the allied country identified by Kim Eo-jun as the source of related tips, Miller refrained from commenting, stating, "I am not aware of any information from the U.S. government related to that." He added, "All such claims should be consistently addressed by South Korean authorities in accordance with South Korean constitution and law, and doing so is democracy based on the rule of law."

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Spokesperson Miller also spoke about the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Regarding the possibility of weakened trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan due to South Korea's political turmoil, he emphasized, "If there is one thing that does not change, it is the fundamental interests of nations," adding, "Maintaining the trilateral alliance among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan aligns with the fundamental interests of the three countries."

The concerns about a security vacuum in the South Korea-U.S. alliance arising from President Yoon's impeachment proceedings were dismissed not only by the State Department. Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, also said at a briefing that day, when asked about any issues in the alliance due to the absence of President Yoon and South Korean military leadership, "We remain committed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," and "The South Korea-U.S. alliance remains strong."

Ryder referenced General Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, who on the 15th spoke with Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, among others. He conveyed that General LaCamera expressed commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance and stated that planned exercises would proceed as scheduled. When asked about the counterpart to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in South Korea, Ryder responded, "There is nothing to announce yet regarding a call between the acting South Korean defense minister and Secretary Austin, but we will inform you if there is one in the future."