Embassies in Seoul urge citizens to stay vigilant, avoid mass rallies

Foreign missions in South Korea have swiftly reacted to President Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement lifting the emergency martial law declaration, advising their citizens to remain cautious and avoid participating in mass rallies as developments surrounding the situation continue to unfold.

Only a few countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, have issued official government responses to Yoon's declaration of martial law, delivered during a late-night televised address on Tuesday, maintaining a cautious stance as of Wednesday afternoon.

The US Embassy in Seoul issued an alert Wednesday, stating that the “situation remains fluid” despite Yoon’s withdrawal of martial law. The embassy also announced the cancellation of routine consular appointments for US citizens and visa applicants.

“US citizens should anticipate potential disruptions. When in public, you should pay attention to your surroundings and exercise routine safety precautions,” the alert stated.

“You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large crowds, gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Tuesday, local time, that the US welcomed Yoon's decision to rescind the emergency martial law order.

"We continue to expect political disagreements to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law," Blinken said.

The UK government expressed concern over the political turmoil. Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific said "The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the events in South Korea on the 3rd of December," in a statement on Tuesday.

"We call for a peaceful resolution to the situation, in accordance with the law and the constitution of the Republic of Korea."

British nationals in South Korea were advised to follow Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice and remain alert.

The Japanese Embassy in Seoul has sent multiple emails to Japanese citizens in South Korea, urging them to "continue to monitor the news and ensure their safety.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday said Tokyo was monitoring the situation with "exceptional and serious concern," while pledging to "take all possible measures" to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

However, Ishiba refrained from commenting further on South Korea's domestic politics, stating, "I am not in a position to comment on the internal affairs of another country."

The Australian Embassy described the situation in South Korea as "evolving due to developments in domestic politics" and urged its citizens to avoid protests and demonstrations.

"Transport and other essential services may be disrupted. Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities," the embassy advised.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Russian Embassy advised its citizens to "closely monitor developments and refrain from participating in politically oriented mass events," explaining that the situation across South Korea "has normalized."

The Chinese Embassy also assessed that "at present, social order in South Korea is normal."

"Chinese citizens in South Korea may return to their daily lives but are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed about the local situation, and enhance personal safety precautions," the embassy said.

The Foreign Ministry in Seoul said a directive has been issued to the headquarters in Seoul and all overseas diplomatic missions, "instructing them to diligently carry out their assigned duties without being swayed by the domestic political situation" as of Wednesday, a Ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun has cut short his business trip to Europe and canceled the Korea-Spain Strategic Dialogue. Similarly, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun has called off her planned visit to the United Arab Emirates this week, where she was scheduled to attend the Korea-UAE High-Level Consultation on Nuclear Cooperation.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Wednesday canceled his two-day visit to Seoul, originally set to begin Thursday, citing the unfolding political situation.

"As in all democracies, political differences are best solved through democratic processes and in accordance with the rule of law. In that spirit, the decision to lift martial law is a welcome step," the prime minister's office said Wednesday in a statement.