Despite several similar incidents in the past, the presidential office stressed that the alliance between the United States and South Korea remains strong and has not been fundamentally shaken. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 9 (Korea Bizwire) —On Sunday, the South Korean presidential office announced that it will engage in “necessary discussions” with the United States following reports from foreign media outlets that U.S. intelligence agencies have been spying on the South Korean government with regards to issues including support for the war in Ukraine.
At a press briefing, a presidential office official stated that they would review past precedents and examples from other countries in order to determine an appropriate response.
Despite several similar incidents in the past, the presidential office stressed that the alliance between the United States and South Korea remains strong and has not been fundamentally shaken.
When asked about reports that the intercepts included the South Korean government’s involvement in diverting weapons to Ukraine, the official declined to confirm, stating that “it’s been reported, but it’s not confirmed.”
The official reiterated that it is not possible for South Korea to directly provide weapons of mass destruction to Ukraine, and that the government’s focus remains on providing humanitarian aid.
Earlier on the same day, the New York Times reported that classified U.S. military documents pertaining to the war in Ukraine were leaked on social media, revealing the extent of the United States’ surveillance of its allies, including South Korea.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
