Korean American Senator Emphasizes Importance of 'Stability' in South Korea

Washington, Jan 9 (NationPress) Andy Kim, the inaugural Korean American senator, highlighted the importance of South Korea concentrating on maintaining stability during a time of political instability resulting from President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law attempt, while warning against utilizing this scenario to further any 'political ambitions.'

Kim (D-NJ) made these comments as South Korea faces a period of political upheaval following Yoon's fleeting martial law declaration on December 3 and his subsequent impeachment on December 14, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

'This is truly a pivotal moment for stability, not for individuals to leverage this situation for their own political gain,' Kim stated during a gathering with Korean and Asian American journalists at the Capitol in Washington.

'The priority should be on stabilizing the situation first and foremost,' he added, emphasizing that South Korean politicians must be 'very careful and thoughtful' with their remarks and actions as they are 'under scrutiny.'

Although the newly elected senator was initially alarmed by Yoon's martial law order, he now perceives that South Korea's democratic process is functioning.

'The current impasse is a source of concern for me, yet I have observed a sense of resilience in the South Korean process that reassures me this will hopefully resolve smoothly,' he commented.

Addressing apprehensions regarding incoming President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, Kim reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, positioning himself as a 'bridge' between South Korea and the US.

Specifically, the senator pledged to stand up 'vigorously' against any military or economic coercion Trump might employ against Asian partners.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump neglected to dismiss the possibility of using military or economic coercion for reclaiming the canal that Panama took control of in 1999, as well as acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

'We are witnessing a form of belligerence similar to what we observe now with Donald Trump discussing Greenland or Panama,' Kim stated. 'If he adopts this kind of rhetoric or uses military or economic pressure with Asian partners, I will oppose that vigorously.'

He stressed that America's strength is derived from 'coalition building.'

'It is not about the notion that America First necessitates America only and that we can thrive without our partners and allies,' he remarked.

Kim expressed uncertainty regarding Trump’s approach to South Korea and the broader Indo-Pacific region, yet reaffirmed his commitment to the area.

'I have already met with Sen. Marco Rubio and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and I have directly communicated my desire to see the US persist with the trilateral process, with the Quad and other initiatives in the region,' he stated, referring to Trump’s selections for secretary of state and ambassador to the UN.

'I informed them that I am eager to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration if they engage in efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships, but I will oppose them if they take actions that I believe undermine those partnerships.'

On concerns that Trump might pursue a drawdown or withdrawal of American troops in South Korea, Kim cautioned about bipartisan resistance to such actions.

'If President Trump were to attempt that again or imply it, I believe there would again be strong bipartisan opposition to that,' he declared. 'That is something I feel strongly about.'

He argued that the protection of South Korea is not the sole justification for America's military presence on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing that the US also benefits from this partnership with the Asian ally.

'This aids the US in playing a deterrent role against China concerning the Taiwan Strait; regarding other areas of the Asia-Pacific,' he noted.

He added, 'I become frustrated when I hear President Trump and others discuss this as if we are present solely for South Korea's defense and that we are not gaining anything from it... I oppose that notion significantly.'

In November, Kim secured the Senate seat for New Jersey that became available following former Sen. Bob Menendez's resignation in August due to his conviction on bribery charges. Kim assumed office last month, succeeding George Helmy, who was appointed in August to replace Menendez.