U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg / Yonhap

Foreign ambassadors in South Korea reacted to the National Assembly's impeachment vote on President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, offering diverse perspectives on the political unrest and its potential impact on relations with their countries. While several ambassadors expressed support for Korea's democratic process, they also stressed the importance of maintaining stable bilateral relations.

"This is a decision made by the Koreans themselves based on constitutional application. Bilateral relations and the diplomatic agenda should not be affected, and we will make our best effort to ensure that this continues," a South American ambassador told The Korea Times Sunday on condition of anonymity.

"We value the democratic participation of the Korean people, whose mobilizations and pressures, since the very beginning of the crisis, have allowed for the end of the series of speculations and uncertainties that had surrounded Korean political life in recent days."

A Southeast Asian ambassador said, "We are confident of the Republic of Korea's ability to navigate challenges through peaceful and constitutional means, reflecting the strength and maturity of its democracy."

EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez / Yonhap

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg emphasized his unwavering support for South Korea's democratic process.

"Our commitment to peace and security on the Peninsula and in the region is unwavering," Goldberg posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. "Foreign Minister Cho and I reaffirmed that our Alliance is and will remain ironclad. We will continue to be in close contact with the government as the democratic process continues in accordance with the constitution." He reiterated the United States' support for Korea's constitutional process and its people during this period of uncertainty.

British Ambassador Colin Crooks / Courtesy of British Embassy in Seoul

British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks also expressed confidence via X in the continued partnership between South Korea and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the strength of their bilateral relationship.

"Korea is a Global Strategic Partner for the UK. We look forward to working with Acting President Han Duck-soo and the administration," Crooks posted.

The European Union delegation in Seoul issued a more measured statement, stressing the importance of upholding the Constitution, a point echoed by other EU ambassadors.

"The EU takes note of the decision by the National Assembly to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. It is important now to ensure a swift and orderly resolution of the current political crisis in line with the Korean Constitution," the spokesperson said. The EU highlighted Korea's importance as a strategic partner and hopes for a resolution that would maintain political stability.

The German Foreign Office expressed confidence in South Korea's democracy, even amid the political turbulence. "Korea is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. Tens of thousands of people gathering peacefully in the streets have demonstrated that Korea's democracy is resilient. We are confident that political stability will be restored with today's impeachment motion in parliament."

Russian Ambassador to Korea Georgy Zinoviev / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

On the other hand, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev offered a more cautious and critical view, claiming to have recently observed a noticeable deterioration in bilateral relations. However, he acknowledged that Seoul had not yet crossed the "red line" and hoped that the domestic political situation would not hinder the potential recovery of ties.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Russian ambassador on Sunday for publicly linking the impeachment to bilateral relations. The ministry stated it was inappropriate for foreign diplomats to comment on South Korea's domestic politics.

"If Russia wishes to restore South Korea-Russia relations, the first step should be to cease illegal military cooperation with North Korea, which threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," a ministry official said.