South Korea and the U.S. Hold First Foreign Ministers' Meeting Since 'Emergency Martial Law Incident'

Reaffirming U.S. Support for Korea... Diplomatic Channels Fully Operational

South Korea and the United States held their first foreign ministers' meeting since the emergency martial law situation, emphasizing the strong ROK-US alliance. This was a reaffirmation of U.S. support despite South Korea's turbulent political situation, including the impeachment crisis.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol (right) and U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken shake hands ahead of the Korea-U.S. meeting held on the 6th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the 6th, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a luncheon meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, discussing various issues such as the ROK-US alliance, trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and North Korea. Before the meeting, as Blinken entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, he responded to questions about his 'assessment of South Korea's political situation' with a slight smile but did not provide a separate answer. His visit to Korea carries a farewell character as it takes place near the end of the Biden administration's term.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the unwavering policy of strengthening the ROK-US alliance despite South Korea's impeachment crisis, evaluated the achievements in enhancing the ROK-US alliance and trilateral cooperation during the Biden administration, and likely emphasized the need to continue these efforts under the Trump administration. From the U.S. perspective, with Donald Trump’s inauguration as president-elect scheduled for the 20th, this also serves as a management of President Biden’s 'legacy.'

Furthermore, as North Korea, which has raised international concerns due to its close ties with Russia, conducted its first ballistic missile provocation of the new year on this day, it is believed that both sides also strengthened their resolve to respond to the illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

This meeting is evaluated as an opportunity to demonstrate that South Korea’s diplomacy is functioning normally despite the chaotic situation caused by President Yoon Seok-yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law and the subsequent chain of impeachments.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol (left) and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hold a Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting on the 6th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the U.S. side, along with Secretary Blinken, Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Matthew Miller, spokesperson, Tom Sullivan, advisor, and Philip Goldberg, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, were present. As this was a farewell visit, Minister Cho showed familiarity by calling Secretary Blinken 'Tony' during his welcoming remarks after taking his seat in the meeting room. Both sides will announce the details of their discussions through a joint press conference in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, before the meeting, Secretary Blinken paid a courtesy call on Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. Having arrived in Korea the previous night, he plans to visit Japan, France, and other countries until the 9th.