US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has started his visit to South Korea where he aims to maintain continuity in policies amid the current political crisis, focusing on maintaining US-South Korea relations rather than addressing former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial methods.
Blinken arrived in the capital during a snowfall, marking what could be his final trip as Secretary of State ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
He will meet his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, on a day when a warrant for the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol expires. Yoon, who attempted to impose martial law on December 3, faced failure in his efforts.
Blinken will emphasize the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan, which includes strengthened intelligence sharing on North Korea.
Yoon was previously a key ally for the Biden administration, known for his efforts to mend ties with Japan and promote South Korea’s role on global issues.
However, Blinken may face criticism from South Korea’s left, but his experience allows him to navigate this political crisis, said Sydney Seiler, a former US intelligence officer.
Blinken’s visit comes at a critical juncture as both South Korea and Japan experience significant political shifts with Trump set to return to the White House on January 20.
US officials stated they had no prior knowledge of Yoon’s martial law imposition, which led to mass protests in the streets.
During his visit, Blinken highlighted South Korea’s democratic resilience, emphasizing the strength of its institutions in times of crisis.
