Anthony Blinken Photo: Getty images
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in South Korea, which is in the midst of a political crisis following former President Yun Seok-il’s attempt to impose martial law in December. The visit is part of his last diplomatic tour before the inauguration of new US President Donald Trump, AFP reports.
Political chaos in Seoul
The crisis began with an unsuccessful attempt by Yun Seok-yol, who is under investigation on charges of “mutiny”, to impose martial law in early December. Following pressure from parliament and mass protests, the president was forced to abandon the initiative. Parliament subsequently voted to impeach him, and Yun Seok-yol was removed from office.
However, the political instability did not end there. The first interim president was also removed from office on 27 December over allegations of blocking the investigation into Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is currently acting as interim president.
Public reaction
On the eve of Blinken’s visit, thousands of supporters and opponents of Yun Seok-yol took to the streets of Seoul, despite the cold and snow. His supporters gathered in large numbers near the ex-president’s residence to protest his arrest.
The purpose of Antoni Blinken’s visit
Analysts say that Blinken’s visit is an important signal of support from the US in the face of the crisis. During the tour, the secretary of state also plans to visit Japan and France to discuss international security and democracy.
This situation is reminiscent of the difficult moments in South Korea’s history associated with military dictatorships. At the same time, the visit of a high-ranking US official could help stabilise the political situation in the country and increase international support for it.
