The United States was not aware of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yel’s plan to declare martial law, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Reuters on Wednesday, adding that he expected to speak with his South Korean counterpart in the coming days.
Yoon declared martial law in South Korea on Tuesday but reversed the decision hours later after a chaotic standoff between parliament and the army.
In an interview with Reuters in Brussels on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, the top U.S. diplomat said it was vital that the process now proceed peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
“South Korea has one of the most distinguished democratic histories in the world. It is very important that any disputes, disagreements, political disagreements are resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law. That is what we are seeing now. That is something that is so important to uphold,” Blinken said.
He said Washington had not been informed of South Korea’s decision in advance.
“That’s true, we weren’t aware of that,” Blinken said.