US Foreign Minister Blinken Visits South Korea Amid Seoul's Political Crisis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken / PHOTO via Instagram @secblinken

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to South Korea, Japan and France from January 4-9 amid the Seoul political crisis.

South Korean presidential and military forces on Friday prevented authorities from arresting the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is being investigated on charges of rebellion over the implementation of martial law on December 3, 2024.

As reported by Reuters on Saturday, January 4, Blinken will meet with senior South Korean government officials and will discuss how they can strengthen key efforts to encourage a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, as well as trilateral efforts with Japan.

While in France, Blinken will discuss challenges in the Middle East and Europe, amid ongoing efforts to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) canceled efforts to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, January 3 afternoon local time, citing the safety of people on the ground.

The order to arrest the president who was impeached by parliament is valid until January 6 and can be extended.

The presence of large numbers of police was seen on the streets near Yoon's residence as hundreds of people gathered to support the leader.

President Yoon for questioning under various investigations, including allegations of leading a military emergency-related rebellion.

Earlier this week's court approved an arrest warrant against Yoon which is the first time a similar action has been taken against the president in office. In response, the presidential security team said security measures were taken in accordance with the proper process.