US 'encouraged by resilience' of S. Korean democracy after martial law turmoil: top envoy

Philip Goldberg, U.S. ambassador to Korea, speaks during his interview with the Hankook Ilbo at his residence in Seoul, Sept. 25, 2023. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok

The United States is "encouraged by the resilience" South Korea has demonstrated through its democratic processes following the martial law declaration and its subsequent lifting, its top envoy to Seoul said Wednesday.

U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg made the remarks after South Korea faced hours of turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's surprise martial law declaration late Tuesday, in which he accused the opposition of paralyzing the government with "anti-state" activities.

The martial law was lifted about six hours later, as the National Assembly voted to demand Yoon end it.

"It came as a surprise. I was awakened by the news shortly after the president's announcement ... we watched it like everyone else unfold," Goldberg said in an exclusive virtual interview with Yonhap News Agency.

"We were concerned about the events of last night. At the same time, we're encouraged by the resilience of Korean democracy. The United States supports that democracy and the people of Korea to resolve issues peacefully, democratically and constitutionally," Goldberg said.

"We believe and strongly support the democratic process here and the constitutional process," he added, reiterating the U.S. position that it was relieved when the martial law was lifted.

Addressing concerns over potential provocations by North Korea amid the confusion surrounding the martial law, Goldberg emphasized that the U.S. is "always on alert and prepared."

"We are always on alert. We are always prepared for any scenario ... any kind of issue that might arise," Goldberg said.

"Our commitment to the Republic of Korea, the alliance and the Korean people is unwavering and ironclad," he said.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is South Korea's official name.

The overnight turmoil stoked worries that the recalcitrant North might take advantage of the situation and could take military actions to escalate tensions.

Goldberg said he was in contact with officials in his host country, as well as in Washington, throughout the period when the martial law was in effect, although he declined to reveal details of the discussions.

"I was in touch with Gen. Paul LaCamera, the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea and the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command ... my colleagues in Washington and with the Korean government at various levels," he said.

Goldberg stressed that the U.S. has also made its commitments to democratic practices in Korea very clear.

"Our support for that is the most important factor and that is well known to the government and to the elected representatives and the people of Korea," he said.

Goldberg took office as the U.S. ambassador to Seoul in July 2022 and will retire in January, marking the end of his final post in the foreign service.

As a career diplomat with more than 35 years of experience, Goldberg has served in various positions in countries such as Colombia, Cuba and the Philippines.

He has also served as the U.S. coordinator for the implementation of the 1817 U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution on North Korea. (Yonhap)