U.S. Department of Defense: "Commitment to Defense of Korea and U.S.-ROK Alliance Remains Ironclad"

The U.S. Department of Defense emphasized that the United States' commitment to defending the Republic of Korea remains unchanged following the election of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung in Korea's 6·3 presidential election.

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung, who is expected to be elected as the 21st president, and his wife Kim Hyekyung are leaving after visiting the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Pete Nguyen, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, responded to a written inquiry from Yonhap News regarding Lee's election as president by stating, "The United States' commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and to the U.S.-ROK alliance remains ironclad."

While the Department of Defense has issued this message, there has been no official response from President Donald Trump, the White House, or the State Department.

Earlier, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt was asked about the Korean presidential election during a briefing. She searched through her documents at the podium but was unable to find a prepared answer, stating, "I don't have it, but I will get it for you." State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a briefing regarding the U.S. government's response, "We are waiting for the certification of the election. Once the results are finalized, we will issue a statement."