U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday lauded South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to lift martial law, which had been imposed just hours earlier. Blinken emphasized the importance of resolving political disputes peacefully while reaffirming Washington's steadfast support for its ally.

"We welcome President Yoon's statement that he would rescind the order declaring emergency martial law in accordance with the ROK Constitution," Blinken said, referencing South Korea's formal name, the Republic of Korea.

White House Reacts to Sudden Developments
The Biden administration expressed relief over Yoon's swift reversal, though officials noted they were not informed in advance of the martial law declaration. President Joe Biden, currently visiting Angola on his first presidential trip to sub-Saharan Africa, was briefed on the unfolding crisis.

The U.S. National Security Council characterized Yoon’s initial decision as "concerning" but commended his adherence to constitutional processes.

Tensions in Seoul and U.S. Precautions
Despite the martial law reversal, tensions remain high in Seoul, with the U.S. embassy temporarily suspending routine appointments as a precaution. In a notice, embassy officials described the situation as "fluid" and urged vigilance.

The imposition of martial law followed escalating political tensions, including disputes over the national budget and Yoon's declining approval ratings. Lawmakers defied security forces to vote unanimously against the declaration, while protesters flooded the streets, demanding Yoon's resignation.

A Strategic Ally in Turmoil
South Korea's political crisis comes at a critical time for U.S.-ROK relations. Washington maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea to counter threats from nuclear-armed North Korea and has bolstered trilateral ties with Seoul and Tokyo to confront regional challenges, including an assertive China.

Yoon, a staunch U.S. ally, hosted a global democracy summit earlier this year and received a warm welcome during a state visit to Washington. However, the current turmoil has cast a shadow over his leadership.

In the aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory in November, Yoon extended congratulations to the incoming Republican administration, expressing optimism for continued close cooperation with Washington.

The developments in Seoul underscore the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of political crises and highlight the importance of U.S. engagement in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.