Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent decision to impose and then swiftly reverse martial law has been described as a "badly misjudged" action by Kurt Campbell, the Deputy Secretary of State for the United States. The announcement, which came unexpectedly on Tuesday night, was annulled following the National Assembly's resolution to overturn the decree, underscoring South Korea's historical sensitivity to such measures. According to Yonhap News Agency, Campbell expressed his concerns during the Aspen Security Forum, emphasizing that the imposition of martial law is perceived as "deeply problematic" and "deeply illegitimate" in the context of South Korea's democratic history. He noted that the swift opposition from political parties to the decree was a reassuring sign of the health of South Korea's democracy. Campbell remarked on the unpredictability of the situation, stating, "What transpired over the last 24 hours in South Korea ... was completely, deeply unpredictable and unlikely, and I think President Yoon badly misjudged." He highlighted the negative historical resonance of martial law in South Korea, predicting that the country might face challenges following this episode. However, he reiterated the United States' unwavering commitment to its alliance with South Korea. The Deputy Secretary of State also emphasized the importance of the bilateral alliance, asserting, "Our goal is to make clear that our alliance is absolutely rock solid. We stand with them, but ultimately to have the confidence that they will be able to work through these issues." While Campbell's comments were critical of the martial law decree, he also noted a sense of relief over its retraction. He acknowledged the polarized political environment in South Korea, but took comfort in the united opposition to the martial law measure, saying, "The fact that both (Korean) parties can agree that this step was deeply problematic, I think, in many ways, is deeply reassuring about the strength and depth of democracy in the ROK." Campbell also commented on the South Korean public's reaction, appreciating the resilience of democracy in the country and the people's willingness to oppose the decree. He stated that the public's response was a "powerful symbol" of democratic strength, backed by legislative support. The unexpected developments in Seoul have caught U.S. officials off guard, particularly as President Joe Biden has highlighted the importance of democracy and strengthened alliances with Seoul and Tokyo as key achievements during his tenure, which concludes next month.