New York: U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed approval for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to rescind an emergency martial law decree. Guterres’ spokesperson highlighted the Secretary General’s keen attention to the unfolding events.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Guterres, addressed the media during a press briefing. Dujarric described the brief imposition of martial law in South Korea as a period marked by confusion, lasting only a few hours. He emphasized Guterres’ continued vigilance regarding the situation, expressing relief that the decree was quickly withdrawn.

Dujarric noted the importance of functioning institutions in South Korea and acknowledged the positive outcome of rescinding the martial law decree. When questioned about the implications for freedom of expression following the declaration of martial law, he reiterated the U.N.’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech.

He further commented on the rapid development
s in Korea, underscoring that the return to normalcy and the lifting of the decree have allowed the media to operate without restrictions. This, he noted, signifies a return to the state of affairs before the decree was enacted, ensuring that the media in Korea can function freely once again.