By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin no longer plans to travel to South Korea, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched attempt this week to impose martial law.
One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning had been underway for a trip in the near term but it was determined now was not the appropriate time.
The official said South Korea had been consulted regarding the change in travel plans.
Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law late on Tuesday sought to consolidate power, ban political activity and censor the media.
It sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea’s international allies.
South Korea’s defense minister, who recommended the move, has resigned.
Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement.
Kim had recommended Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday, according to the interior minister, a senior military official and the opposition’s filing to impeach Yoon.
The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War.
The commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, General Paul LaCamera, warned American troops in a statement on Wednesday to stay vigilant, avoid areas with protests, and tell superiors of travel plans in case “something unexpected” happens.
(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Daniel Wallis)
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