Foreign Minister Cho Indicates Martial Law Unrest Inflicted 'Significant Harm' on South Korea's Diplomatic Relations

Seoul, Dec 13 (NationPress) The turmoil resulting from martial law has inflicted 'significant harm' on South Korea's diplomatic efforts, declared its leading diplomat on Friday, as worries grow over a potential foreign policy void while President Yoon Suk Yeol faces another impeachment vote in the National Assembly.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made this statement during a parliamentary hearing where he addressed lawmakers' inquiries concerning the contentious Cabinet meeting that took place just before Yoon announced martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

When asked by Rep. Cho Jung-sik from the main opposition Democratic Party if he believes the current situation constitutes a diplomatic crisis, Cho responded, 'I believe there has been significant harm.'

He emphasized, 'We will uphold a strong South Korea-US alliance and concentrate on regaining the trust of the global community.'

Since law enforcement agencies initiated investigations into the brief martial law declaration, Yoon has been restricted from leaving the country.

The political instability has effectively stalled all high-level and crucial diplomatic interactions with other nations, resulting in the cancellation of visits to Seoul by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and a delegation from Sweden led by its Prime Minister.

Cho expressed optimism that diplomacy would resume once 'constitutional order is restored.'

He stressed, 'The most important thing is to restore constitutional order through democratic processes and respect for the people's will to recover and stabilize governmental affairs.'

When questioned about his decision to avoid phone calls from US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on the night martial law was declared, Cho explained that he wanted to avoid 'misleading' the ally about the situation.

He noted, 'I deemed it more crucial to consider how to communicate with the US.'

Cho was among the Cabinet officials who vehemently opposed Yoon's martial law decision.

He recounted that he had urged Yoon multiple times to reconsider his choice.

Cho stated, 'I repeatedly implored him to think again, not just regarding the implications for foreign policy but because it represents a grave issue that could undermine everything this nation has accomplished over the last 70 years.'

However, he revealed, '(The president) insisted it was urgent and that he could not reverse it.'

Yoon had also provided Cho with a brief document outlining his responsibilities as the foreign minister while martial law was in effect, Cho mentioned, although he could not recall the specifics contained within it.

He admitted that throughout the period of martial law, he experienced 'deep anguish' and contemplated resigning.

Cho reflected, 'I was caught between my personal beliefs regarding resignation as foreign minister and my obligation to carry out my duties.'