US calls for 'proper' functioning of democratic processes in S. Korea after scrapped impeachment motion

The White House in Washington is decorated for the holidays, Dec. 2. AP-Yonhap

The United States on Saturday called for the "full and proper" functioning of Korea's democratic institutions and processes after a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol was scrapped due to a lack of quorum.

"We continue to call for the full and proper functioning of the ROK's democratic institutions and processes, in accordance with the constitution," a U.S. official said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. ROK is the acronym for Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

To that end, the U.S. will remain in contact with relevant parties in Korea, the official added.

The response came after an impeachment motion against Yoon's short-lived declaration of martial law was scrapped Saturday due to a lack of quorum, with all but three of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotting the vote.

"The right to peaceful protest is an integral element of a healthy democracy and must be respected in all circumstances," the official said.

A massive crowd of protesters staged a rally near the National Assembly compound the previous day, calling for Yoon's ouster.

The U.S. official stressed the alliance between the two nations remains "ironclad" amid the ongoing political turmoil.

"The U.S. is committed to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. The American people will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the Republic of Korea," the official said.

"The U.S.-ROK combined defense posture remains strong and ready to respond to any provocations or threats." (Yonhap)