The U.S. State Department stated on Friday that former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's life sentence for his failed 2024 martial law attempt is a matter for South Korea's judicial system, while reaffirming Washington's 'ironclad' commitment to the alliance. A spokesperson emphasized respect for the independence of South Korea's democratic institutions. This follows the Seoul Central District Court's sentencing of Yoon to life imprisonment on Thursday for leading an insurrection.
The Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment on Thursday for his botched bid to impose martial law in late 2024, describing the attempt as an insurrection involving the deployment of troops to the National Assembly.
In response, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency via email, "The United States and the ROK share a commitment to the rule of law. This is a matter for the ROK's judicial system, and the United States respects the independence of its democratic institutions." ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.
The spokesperson added, "The U.S. commitment to the U.S.-ROK Alliance is ironclad. We continue to advance U.S. and mutual interests with our ally, the ROK."
This statement underscores the U.S. position amid concerns over the verdict's potential impact on bilateral ties. The department emphasized the alliance's stability while deferring to South Korea's legal processes.
Separately, a parliamentary subcommittee led by the ruling Democratic Party approved an amendment to the Pardon Act on Friday, prohibiting or restricting presidential pardons for those convicted of insurrection or state offenses. Lawmakers from the opposition People Power Party walked out in protest. The bill allows an exception with consent from three-fifths of National Assembly members, coming a day after Yoon's sentencing.
