“Impeachment, Clash of Democratic Visions… US-ROK Alliance Remains Solid”: Col. David Maxwell, Ret. for Voice of America’s (VOA) Voice of Korea

In the January 4, 2025 episode of Voice of America’s Voice of Korea: Washington Talk, our very own Editor-at-Large Col. David Maxwell, Ret., joins Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, 20+ year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency, former Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, and U.S. representative to the Korea Energy Development Organization (KEDO), for a discussion moderated by Eun-Jung Cho.

From Voice of Korea:

“Experts on the Korean Peninsula in the United States diagnosed that the impeachment of the South Korean president showed the conflict between different visions of democracy, and that South Korean society is carefully evaluating both sides of this situation. Experts predicted that this political turmoil could be a variable in the coordination of policy between the U.S. and South Korea, but that the U.S. is ready to cooperate with any government in South Korea, and that the alliance will remain strong”

FULL INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.voakorea.com/a/7924144.html

Some key points discussed include:

• Political crisis in South Korea (Republic of Korea, R.O.K.)
  • The recent issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon for charges of insurrection raises concerns, marking the first time a sitting president faces such a warrant
• United States Government response
• Domestic divisions within South Korea and U.S. relations
• Public support for President Yoon despite critics
  • The U.S. is careful to not take sides but acknowledges the importance of maintaining the alliance amid the political divisions among conservatives and progressives.
• U.S.-South Korea Strategic Alliance
• Expectations of incoming Trump Administration’s approach to South Korea
• North Korea and Denuclearization
• Potential impact of domestic instability on North Korea policy

Here is what you can expect to be discussed in this interview:

• “After a six-hour standoff, President Yoon defied an arrest warrant against him. U.S. lawyers said the warrant is illegal, while the police will summon the head of the Secret Service for obstructing official duty. How will the U.S. government view the latest developments in South Korea when the leader of an ally, considered one of the best partners for cooperation until just before the martial law declaration, is now facing danger of impeachment and arrest?” (answer by Ambassador DeTrani)

• “Shortly after the martial law declaration, the U.S. government said President Yun badly misjudged his decision, and it was deeply problematic and illegitimate. Now, the opposition party, which pursues the arrest and impeachment of President Yun, has a track record of anti-Japan, pro-China stances, and has expressed suspicion about certain elements of U.S.-R.O.K. relations. Meanwhile, President Yun’s ruling party prioritizes U.S.-R.O.K. alliance cooperation, aligned with U.S. policy. Doesn’t this pose a dilemma for Washington?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “The U.S. government will deal with whichever government takes power in South Korea. However, how would the United States view the fact that Yoon and the ruling party’s popularity is rising after the martial law declaration and impeachment, while large crowds of people are taking to the streets in support of him?” (Of course, there are anti-Yoon protests as well.) (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “Congressional Research Service reports point out that President Yoon’s suspension and possible removal from office raise questions about the staying power of his policies. This could significantly impact the United States. While it’s not about taking sides, how would Washington view the prospect of a government more aligned with U.S. policy versus one with a track record of diverging from it?” (answer by Ambassador DeTrani)

• “South Korea’s opposition parties and progressives argue that if South Korea joins U.S. efforts against China, it will become the frontline of a new Cold War. There’s also stronger opposition to the Trump administration’s potential moves to raise South Korea’s burden-sharing. If an opposition leader like Lee or another takes office, is there a chance that President Trump may reconsider how he values South Korea as an ally, given his focus on containing China?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “President Trump’s aides have said that “America First” cannot be achieved by the U.S. alone in Asia and cited South Korea’s important role. How would the current political instability in South Korea affect the Trump administration’s inclination to cooperate with South Korea?” (answer by Ambassador DeTrani)

• “After the second Trump administration takes office on January 20th, do you think it will push for the renegotiation of the Special Measures Agreement and also the reduction of U.S. forces in Korea, even though the Defense Authorization Act stipulates a minimum level of 28,500 troops in Korea?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “If the second Trump administration pushes for troop reduction and changes in burden-sharing, what could be the counterargument from Seoul?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “If South Korea ceases to be the global pivotal state it aims to be due to domestic political changes, how would that undermine the mutual interests of South Korea and the United States?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

• “From the U.S. perspective, has North Korea’s strategy of “Korea-passing” (engaging directly with the U.S. while sidelining South Korea) ever been realized? Would excluding South Korea in negotiations with North Korea be in U.S. interests?” (answer by Ambassador DeTrani)

• “With the current political turmoil in South Korea, would it make it more difficult for a Trump administration to closely coordinate with South Korea on North Korea policy, especially regarding high-level summit diplomacy? Could this lead to unfavorable results for Seoul?” (answer by Col. Maxwell)

Photo credits: VOA. Pictured left to right: Eun-Jung Cho, Ambassador DeTrani, Col. Maxwell