However, experts say there are still many challenges ahead in strengthening relations with the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump and addressing pressing security issues.
On December 14, the South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection with the declaration of martial law on December 3. This means that Yoon Suk Yeol is suspended from office until the Constitutional Court makes a final decision on whether to remove him from office. The court has 180 days to make a decision. During this time, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of acting president.
Yonhap quoted experts as saying that temporary political stability could help South Korea maintain cooperative relations with the US. According to Troy Stangarone, an expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center's Korean History Policy Center, "there is now a clear path for US officials to coordinate with the interim government of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to manage important aspects of bilateral relations."
The political crisis comes at a critical time, when South Korea needs to step up diplomatic efforts with the new US administration to maintain close security cooperation and deal with emerging challenges in the region. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert at the Hudson Institute, warned that prolonged instability could cause South Korea to miss opportunities to cooperate with the new administration in Washington. "A government that is perceived as weak becomes an easy target for provocation," he said.
Observers also stressed that South Korea needs to strengthen its security relationship with the US to ensure there are no gaps in its defense system. "South Korea needs to work closely with the US to maintain its defense and deterrence capabilities on the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, the political message needs to be clear, affirming that South Korea's democratic institutions are still working well," said Andrew Yeo, an expert at the Brookings Institution.
Before Han Duck-soo took over as interim leader, South Korea was in political turmoil as doubts arose over whether President Yoon Suk-yeol could effectively control state affairs amid a political and social backlash. Many experts were optimistic about Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s leadership during this transition period. With his experience as South Korea’s ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2012, Han is expected to be an important bridge to maintain bilateral relations.
Sydney Seiler, a former intelligence expert at the US National Intelligence Council, said: "Mr. Han is the right person to take on this role at this time." Veteran diplomat Robert Rapson also expressed his expectations for Mr. Han's leadership ability, saying that he is a suitable partner for the upcoming administration of President Donald Trump.
Although challenges remain, the temporary stability under Mr. Han's leadership offers hope that South Korea will overcome its current political crisis. However, experts stress that holding a new presidential election is necessary to restore normalcy to the political system.
Meanwhile, the South Korean government needs to take advantage of this time to promote close cooperation with the US, especially in the areas of trade, security and regional issues, to protect national interests and strengthen its position in the international arena.
