Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled his plans to travel to South Korea following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched attempt this week to impose martial law.
One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had been planning a trip in the near term but determined that now was not the appropriate time.
The official said they had consulted South Korea regarding the change in travel plans.
Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Yoon declared martial law late on Tuesday to consolidate power, ban political activity, and censor the media.
The declaration sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea’s international allies.
The defense minister, who recommended the move, resigned. Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyun, as the replacement.
Kim recommended that Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday. The interior minister, a senior military official, and the opposition’s filing to impeach Yoon all confirmed this recommendation. This move came amid growing political tension, and Kim’s influence in the decision added significant weight to the declaration. The decision sparked widespread controversy and set off a series of reactions both within South Korea and internationally.
The United States maintains a military presence in South Korea, with 28,500 troops stationed there as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War. This troop deployment is a part of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, designed to deter potential aggression in the region. Over the decades, the U.S. military’s presence has remained a crucial element of security in South Korea, but it also plays a significant role in the geopolitics of East Asia.
In response to the heightened tensions in South Korea, General Paul LaCamera, the commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, issued a statement on Wednesday. He urged American troops to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly in areas where protests were taking place. His guidance emphasized the importance of avoiding such areas to ensure the safety of personnel stationed in the country during a time of political instability.
LaCamera also instructed troops to inform their superiors about any travel plans. This precaution was meant to ensure that U.S. forces were prepared for any unexpected developments amid the ongoing unrest. His statement reflected the seriousness of the situation, as the U.S. sought to maintain a level of preparedness in the face of potential disruptions or escalations in South Korea.
As South Korea grapples with its internal political crisis, the international community, including the United States, is closely monitoring the situation. The combination of domestic unrest and the U.S. military’s presence underscores the importance of stability in the region. The events of Tuesday and the subsequent reactions highlight the complex intersection of national politics and global security interests.
