Seoul: South Korea and the United States are "in communication at all levels" as required, a foreign ministry official announced Thursday. This statement comes in the aftermath of comments made by a senior U.S. diplomat regarding the recent martial law proclamation by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell criticized President Yoon for "badly misjudging" the situation when he declared martial law late Tuesday, only to lift it hours later after a parliamentary vote. Campbell, speaking at a Washington forum, emphasized that the public's reaction and the legislative actions that followed the martial law were indicative of the people's readiness to oppose "a deeply illegitimate process." In response, Lee Jae-woong, the South Korean ministry spokesperson, confirmed during a briefing that "necessary communication is taking place between South Korea and the U.S. at all levels." While he refrained from delving into specifics regarding Camp bell's comments, Lee underscored the continued "ironclad commitment" of the U.S. to their alliance. Diplomatic circles have noted the unusual nature of such candid remarks from a senior diplomat concerning an ally's leadership decision. Despite the lack of prior notification to the U.S. about the martial law declaration, discussions between the two nations have been ongoing to address the aftermath. In a subsequent update, the South Korean foreign ministry reiterated that consistent and close communication has been maintained between Seoul and Washington since the declaration. "The government will strive to ensure the South Korea-U.S. alliance continues to develop unwaveringly through constant communications," the ministry stated.