Political Turmoil in South Korea: Martial Law Bid Disrupts U.S. Relations

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok addressed the impact of President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law attempt on U.S. relations. They aimed to reassure allies and mitigate market concerns during the nation's significant political crisis that affected communications with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team.

In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul revealed at a joint news conference on Wednesday that President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived bid to impose martial law has strained relations with the U.S. administration. This action, which triggered a political crisis unseen in decades, created significant communication barriers between Seoul and Washington, notably affecting connections with President-elect Donald Trump's team.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok joined Cho at the conference to address international media with a message aimed at reassuring South Korea's global allies while alleviating market anxiety induced by these political ruptures. The need for calm was underscored by attempts to rebuild trust and stable diplomatic channels following the chaos incited by the martial law initiative.

Despite previously strong communication channels described as unparalleled by Cho, the recent political storm has posed unprecedented disruptions. As South Korea seeks to restore its diplomatic momentum, Cho admitted to complications over the past fortnight but assured that steps are being taken to mitigate these issues and restore robust international relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)