Seoul: South Korea and the United States are maintaining communication at all necessary levels, a South Korean foreign ministry official stated on Thursday. This development follows a senior U.S. diplomat’s critical comments regarding South Korea’s recent martial law declaration, which drew significant attention.

According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell remarked that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol “badly misjudged” the situation when he declared martial law late Tuesday, a decision that was rescinded hours later due to a parliamentary vote. Campbell’s comments, delivered at a forum in Washington, highlighted the public’s reaction and the legislative procedures as a testament to the citizens’ readiness to oppose “a deeply illegitimate process.”

Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong, addressing the media, confirmed that “necessary communication is taking place between South Korea and the U.S. at all levels,” yet he refrained from providing further details regarding Cam
pbell’s critical remarks. “The U.S. has reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to our alliance,” Lee added.

It is considered unusual for a senior diplomat to use such language concerning a decision made by the leader of an allied nation. Although South Korea reportedly did not inform the U.S. in advance about the martial law declaration, discussions between the allies have been ongoing regarding the repercussions of the decision.