The U.S. Undersecretary of State, Kurt Campbell, stated on Tuesday that his country is observing events in South Korea, a key ally of Washington, with "grave concern", and fully trusts that any political dispute will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
Campbell made these statements during an event at the State Department, after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol surprised the Asian country with a televised announcement late on Tuesday declaring martial law, harshly criticizing his political opponents, and causing a wave of shock both nationally and internationally. Following the South Korean leader's announcement, troops were reported attempting to enter the Parliament, which later withdrew after 190 lawmakers blocked Yoon's measure.
"We are closely monitoring the recent events in the Republic of Korea with grave concern," Campbell stated. "We are seeking to engage in dialogue with our South Korean counterparts at all levels, both here and in Seoul", he added.
Both Campbell and the White House have indicated that President Joe Biden, as well as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have been briefed on the situation in South Korea. The politician also described the alliance between Washington and Seoul as "unbreakable".
"We support Korea in this time of uncertainty. I also want to emphasize that we have full confidence and expectation that any political dispute will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law," he concluded.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also stated that they are "closely monitoring the situation in South Korea" and have advised their citizens in the Asian country to "avoid demonstrations."
"Obviously, this is a rapidly evolving situation [...] We are closely monitoring the situation in South Korea," stated a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the Foreign Office urged British citizens to "follow the advice of local authorities and avoid political demonstrations."