Scuttled martial law declaration threw South Korea’s diplomacy off track: Foreign minister

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – South Korea's foreign minister said Wednesday that the recent aborted imposition of martial law and the impeachment of the country’s president have disrupted the country’s diplomatic momentum, particularly as the nation prepares to engage with US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office next month.

Speaking to reporters in Seoul, Cho Tae-yul acknowledged the challenges posed by the political crisis, emphasizing efforts to restore South Korea’s standing on the global stage.

“This situation has weakened the political momentum we had built before, and restoring it will take time,” Cho said, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

Cho voiced hope that the Trump administration would address North Korea-related issues “in a serious manner.”

“This is why the ministry is making preemptive efforts in building plans and road maps in preparation for the new Trump administration taking its ideas into actual policies,” Cho said. He added that Seoul remains ready for all scenarios, including potential talks with North Korea.

During Trump’s first term, he held three summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, the past two years have seen relations between the South and the North hit historic lows.

Under a bilateral defense pact, the US maintains more than 28,500 troops in South Korea.

Reflecting on the brief declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 3, Cho said he never anticipated such measures in modern-day South Korea.

“The last time martial law was declared was in 1979, the year I joined the Foreign Ministry. Never did I imagine that it would be declared again 45 years later in [today’s] Korea,” he said.

Yoon declared martial law earlier this month, but within hours, 190 lawmakers convened and passed a motion to lift it, forcing him to revoke the order. The move triggered widespread outrage and calls for Yoon’s resignation, including from members of his own People Power Party.

Yoon has since been suspended from his duties pending a Constitutional Court trial on his impeachment. He faces allegations of treason, insurrection, and other serious charges.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid