Blinken expresses 'deep concern' over South Korea's martial law declaration, welcomes repeal

WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed "deep concern" Thursday over South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law during a phone call with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, according to the State Department.

"Secretary Blinken expressed deep concerns about the declaration of martial law in the ROK (Republic of Korea) and welcomed the lifting of martial law following a unanimous vote at the National Assembly," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"The Secretary conveyed his confidence in the democratic resilience of the ROK during this period, and noted he expects the ROK’s democratic process to prevail," he added.

During the call, Blinken also reaffirmed the progress made in the bilateral relationship and reaffirmed the US's commitment to the Alliance, according to Miller.

The call came after President Yoon imposed martial law late Tuesday, citing alleged “anti-state activities” by opposition groups.

The Defense Ministry ordered military commanders to prepare and dispatched troops to enforce the decree, including entry into the National Assembly.

But lawmakers managed to enter the parliament at midnight, and during an emergency session voted 190-0 to repeal the decree for army rule, rendering it void.

Yoon complied with the parliament's decision, convened his Cabinet and reversed course on the declaration. He now faces impeachment.