Anthony Blinken arrives in South Korea amid political crisis

Anthony Blinken Photo:Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in South Korea on Monday as the country is in a state of political chaos following ousted President Yun Seok-ol’s failed attempt to impose martial law. Blinken’s visit is likely to be his last international trip before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, France24 reports.

Political crisis in South Korea

Accused of “sedition” and attempted subversion of the democratic order, Yoon Seok-yol faced numerous protests and political pressure. On the night of 3-4 December, the parliament, surrounded by the military, voted to lift the state of emergency. After that, Yoon was forced to abandon his plans under pressure from the public and MPs.

On 14 December, parliament passed a resolution to impeach him, suspending his powers. However, Yoon remains the official president until the final decision of the Constitutional Court, which is expected in June.

The situation became even more complicated after the interim president was suspended on 27 December on charges of obstructing the Yoon investigation. Currently, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is acting head of state.

US position

Blinken visited Seoul as part of a diplomatic mission that also includes Japan and France. The United States, as South Korea’s main ally, is closely monitoring developments in the country, which is Washington’s key partner in the region. There has been no official statement on the situation from Blinken so far.

A tense situation

Meanwhile, Seoul remains in a state of high tension. Both his supporters and opponents gathered outside Yun Seok-yol’s residence, despite the severe cold and snow. Protests accompany each new turn in the political crisis, which threatens to undermine stability in South Korea, one of Asia’s leading democracies.

Further developments will depend on the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the ability of the new leaders to return the country to political stability.