U.S. Defense Secretary Cancels South Korea Visit Amid Political Turmoil

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided not to go to South Korea anymore. This comes after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a big mistake trying to declare martial law this week. Two U.S. officials told Reuters about this change, saying that while plans for the visit were being made, it was decided that now was not a good time for the trip. They also mentioned that they spoke with South Korea about changing the plans.

Austin plans to leave his job by January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes over. President Yoon’s decision to enforce martial law earlier this week aimed to take more control, limit political activities, and control the media. This upset many people and raised worries among South Korea’s allies.

South Korea’s Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who suggested the martial law plan, has stepped down. To help his political career, Yoon accepted Kim’s resignation and has chosen Choi Byung-hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as the new defense minister.

The United States keeps 28,500 troops in South Korea, a leftover from the Korean War fought from 1950 to 1953. General Paul LaCamera, who leads U.S. Forces-Korea, advised American soldiers to stay alert, avoid protest areas, and inform their superiors about any travel plans in case something unexpected happens.