In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the situation in South Korea following the recent imposition and quick rescinding of martial law. The U.S. administration has maintained ongoing diplomatic conversations with South Korean counterparts, both in the United States and in Seoul. While specific details of these discussions remain private, officials expressed concern about the recent developments and emphasized the importance of democratic resilience in South Korea.

The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance with South Korea, highlighting shared values such as democracy and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials noted that the relationship transcends individual leaders and administrations, focusing instead on mutual interests like denuclearization and responsible management of relations with China.

Questions remain about the decision-making process that led to the martial law declaration. U.S. officials acknowledged that they were surprised by the announcement and had no prior knowledge of it. They expect that the internal processes in South Korea will follow the rule of law and be resolved peacefully.

The meeting underscored the U.S. support for democracy in South Korea, viewing the swift rescinding of martial law as a positive sign of the country's democratic resilience. As the situation evolves, U.S. officials are keen to engage further with their South Korean counterparts to address the ongoing concerns and ensure the stability of their partnership.