National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby speaks during a daily press briefing in the James S. Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2024. UPI-Yonhap

A White House official expressed the United States' hope, Friday, for Korea to work toward a "stable path" forward, and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the bilateral alliance and ensuring the allies' readiness to respond to "any external provocations or threats."

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby made the remarks after Seoul's anti-corruption agency suspended its attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law attempt following an hourslong standoff between investigators and presidential security staff.

"Number one, we look to the ROK government, the National Assembly and, of course, the Korean people to work together toward a stable path forward," Kirby said in an online press briefing. ROK is short for Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea

"Number two, we are committed to working closely with the ROK government, including the acting president, to advance mutual interest in our shared values, and we would note and appreciate the focus that acting President Choi has placed on maintaining national stability," he added.

Kirby also said that the U.S. expects the Korean government to proceed in adherence with the processes set forth in the Constitution, while reaffirming Washington will maintain open lines of communication "at all levels" with the Seoul government.

Moreover, he reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to the alliance with Korea remains "ironclad."

"I know that's a word we say a lot, but when it comes to Korea, we mean it. It's ironclad," he said. "We are going to continue stand with the ROK and the Korean people."

Apparently mindful of concerns that Pyongyang could take advantage of the political turmoil in Seoul, Kirby stressed the U.S.' commitment to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"We are going to stay committed to making sure that our defense posture, mutual defense posture remains strong and ready to respond to any external provocations or threats," he said.

In a separate press briefing, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said that the ongoing political turmoil in Korea would not affect the bilateral alliance.

"There's no change to the U.S-ROK alliance when it comes to our mil-to-mil cooperation," she said. "When it comes to the domestic issues and forces happening in the Republic of Korea, obviously it's something that we're gonna monitor."

She expressed confidence that military cooperation between Seoul and Washington remains "strong" and will continue on beyond the current U.S. administration as well.

Asked about the possibility of any change in the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea in the future, Singh dismissed it.

"I think the short answer is no. We have an ironclad commitment with the ROK when it comes to our mil-to-mil cooperation," she said.

"Those channels and those lines of communication are still good. The ROK is a valued partner of the United States when it comes to our presence in the Indo-Pacific. So, I'm not anticipating any changes."

Korea has been thrust into political turmoil in the wake of Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3 and his subsequent impeachment on Dec. 14. (Yonhap)