Foreign ministry refers to Constitution, suggesting Yoon remains top decision-maker in diplomacy

Lee Jae-woong, spokesperson at the foreign ministry speaks during a briefing at the Government Complex Seoul, Dec. 10. Yonhap

The operations of Korea's diplomacy are being pursued within the framework of the Constitution, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, indicating that President Yoon Suk Yeol remains the top decision-maker in diplomacy despite his botched martial law bid last week.

Lee Jae-woong, spokesperson at the foreign ministry, made the remark amid a deepening political crisis caused by Yoon's martial law decree last Tuesday night.

"The operation of the government, including the diplomacy sector, is proceeding and will continue to proceed within the framework outlined by the Constitution and the law," Lee told a press briefing, when asked who the current top decision-maker in diplomacy in Korea is.

The Constitution stipulates that the president shall conclude and ratify treaties; receive or dispatch diplomatic envoys; and declare war and conclude peace.

Yoon survived an impeachment motion tabled by opposition parties Saturday after abruptly declaring martial law last Tuesday night, sending military troops to infiltrate the National Assembly. The martial law was lifted hours later after lawmakers voted to reject it.

Following a meeting with Yoon, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon announced Sunday that the president would step away from his duties until his departure, including in diplomacy. (Yonhap)