The Seoul-Washington alliance, “pillar of peace” in Asia for Biden

(Keystone-ATS) Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by Parliament on Saturday after his failed attempt to impose martial law and have the military muzzle Parliament on December 3. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has since held the interim presidency.

“President Biden expressed his appreciation for the resilience of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea,” the White House said in a statement.

“The two leaders discussed the considerable progress made in recent years in strengthening the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea and President Biden expressed his confidence that the alliance will remain the pillar of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region during the tenure of Acting President Han,” the text adds.

Mr. Yoon’s coup on December 3 took the United States, South Korea’s main ally, by surprise. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US government had not been informed in advance and had learned of the news via television.

28,500 American soldiers in Korea

This unexpected coup caused “deep concern” in Washington, he said.

During his two and a half years at the head of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol visited the United States five times and worked to strengthen the alliance with Washington, crucial in the face of the military threat of North Korea. Around 28,500 American soldiers are stationed in South Korea.

Mr. Yoon is currently suspended pending validation or not of his dismissal by the constitutional court, which has six months to rule. He is also the subject of a criminal investigation for “rebellion” and does not have the right to leave the country.

If the constitutional court confirms his dismissal, a presidential election will take place within two months. Mr. Han will continue to serve as president until then.