The U.S. Department of State noted on the 8th (local time) that concerns regarding the leadership vacuum in South Korea following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol may impact the South Korea-U.S. alliance, stating, 'The South Korea-U.S. relationship remains strong.'
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce responded during a briefing to the question of whether the transitional situation in South Korea resulting from the former president's impeachment would have a negative impact on the alliance, saying, 'We maintain a strong alliance with South Korea.' She emphasized, 'The two countries enjoy a close relationship as allies.'
However, he added, 'As allies, we expect South Korea to adhere to certain rules and norms.'
On the same day, regarding President Donald Trump's phone conversation with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the acting president, where military protection-related expense issues concerning South Korea were mentioned, when asked about the possibility of renegotiating the cost-sharing agreement for U.S. Forces Korea, he stated, 'I cannot comment.'