Newsmax on Friday (25th) published an article that drew attention, stating that the White House's reaction to the election of Lee Jae-myung as president was different from the beginning, and arguing that "it is time to send an ambassador (to South Korea)."

A White House official stated in an emailed response to Reuters regarding the election results: "The ROK-U.S. alliance remains strong. South Korea held free and fair elections, but the U.S. still expresses concerns and opposition to China's interference and influence in democracies worldwide."

Newsmax pointed out that the mention of Chinese interference in the White House's reaction after the snap election on June 3rd was unusual. Even the left-leaning Hankyoreh reported, "It is unusual for the White House to express concern about 'Chinese influence' on the launch of a new government."

Analysts view this message as being influenced by MAGA (Make America Great Again) voters.

Steve Bannon, a key MAGA figure and former White House Chief Strategist, publicly supported Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party.

So-called "far-right" figures in South Korea and the United States have close ties, with some MAGA voters claiming that the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye was the result of a coup orchestrated by China.

Laura Loomer, a prominent conservative journalist, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "The communists have taken over Korea and won today's election. This is a terrible development."

Dr. Tara O, an expert on Korean affairs and retired U.S. Air Force officer, when asked about the reason for declaring martial law in December, responded, "The public wondered what happened during the short-lived martial law from December 3-4, 2024. It has now been revealed that the martial law forces were deployed to the National Election Commission (NEC) even before the National Assembly convened. With the release of photos showing ballot boxes being removed from the NEC, there is hope that electoral fraud can finally be investigated."

Dr. O pointed to issues with the Constitutional Court and the National Election Commission as systemic problems within the South Korean government.

However, when asked why martial law was declared to seize evidence, Dr. O wrote, "There is a close relationship between the NEC and the judiciary because they have the authority to approve or deny requests for search warrants. The NEC chairman is also a sitting Supreme Court justice. While they are called 'independent' bodies, in reality, they are interconnected and there is room for conflict of interest, so there is no separation of powers."

Newsmax summarized the article as follows:

This makes it difficult for a lower court judge to issue a warrant to another department of the Supreme Court, namely the National Election Commission in this case. Under martial law, a warrant is not necessary. The evidence has been legally collected, so it can be used in investigations and court. President Yoon, who had the authority to implement martial law from before its declaration until its lifting, followed due process and regulations, including convening the State Council.

Newsmax also pointed out that the absence of a U.S. ambassador to South Korea has caused significant disruption in exchanges between the U.S. government and the South Korean government.

Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor, who advocated for President Trump to appoint an ambassador quickly, wrote, "South Korea is one of the problems (due to the ambassadorial vacancy). Without an ambassador, we are at a disadvantage."

Flynn stated, "Ambassadors are warriors on the front lines of international relations. They promote American interests, protect our people abroad, and counter the influence of adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Having nearly a third of these critical positions vacant is like sending an army into battle with half of its generals AWOL. And if the previous administration personally selected most of those still holding positions, one has to ask whose agenda they are working for."

Flynn argues that once appointed, ambassadors should act like "wolf warriors" for U.S. interests.

Flynn stated, "President Trump's mission is to prioritize American interests and reassert American leadership around the world. This starts with a loyal diplomatic corps. The era of delay, dysfunction, and divided loyalties is over. America cannot afford to be silent on the world stage. It is time to send ambassadors who speak with one voice for America."

Potential candidates for the U.S. ambassador to South Korea currently mentioned include Mos Tan, former Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Michelle Steel, former U.S. Representative, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Eric Went. However, political insiders universally agree that an unexpected candidate could be selected, and it remains unknown until the final nominee is announced.

NNP=Sung Ku Hong, Chief Editor, U.S. info@newsandpost.com