Yoon’s Impeachment Strains U.S.-South Korea Relations

Stephen Noerper, a professor at Hawaii Pacific University and former vice president of the Korea Society, stated that Yoon’s impeachment has strained relations between Washington and Seoul.

How Yoon’s Impeachment Affects U.S.-South Korea Relations

When asked about the political fallout, Noerper said, “The relationship is under duress given Yoon’s impeachment and his decision to announce martial law.” He criticized the lack of prior communication from Seoul, calling it “a serious breach of protocol” that eroded trust.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the future. The U.S.-South Korea alliance, built over 70 years of security, political, and economic cooperation, remains strong. “With democracy carrying the day after this long and difficult process, I hope relations may be bolstered again,” he said.

Could Trump Sideline South Korea After Yoon’s Impeachment?

Concerns about “Korea Passing” persist, with Noerper pointing out that “Trump is not kindly disposed to South Korea, as seen in his first administration and personal remarks.”

He added that Trump appears more interested in North Korea, its leadership, and even its real estate, rather than strengthening ties with Seoul.

While Trump’s personal diplomacy could advance peace on the Korean Peninsula, Noerper stressed the need for coordination with allies. However, he warned that Trump’s past criticism of U.S. allies over security burden-sharing could extend to South Korea.

How North Korea Responds to Yoon’s Impeachment

When asked about North Korea’s stance on Yoon’s impeachment, Noerper noted that Pyongyang has largely remained silent but likely welcomes the instability.

“It is happy to see politicization and the system unwind given the martial law debacle,” he said. North Korea may believe avoiding unnecessary conflict is the best strategy for now.

He suggested Pyongyang could be waiting for a progressive administration to return in Seoul. “The North may feel its progress lies with Moscow, Beijing, and perhaps Washington under Trump,” he said.

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• South Korea’s impeachment clock ticks: Former CIA official weighs in on U.S.-ROK relations post-impeachment

BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]