US sharply criticises South Korea’s Yoon over ‘illegitimate’ martial law attempt

A senior US diplomat has sharply criticised South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law as “problematic” and “illegitimate”, marking one of the strongest comments yet from Seoul’s major ally.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s remarks on Wednesday also cast doubt on Yoon’s claims of threats from North Korea and alleged anti-state forces.