South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday has thrown the country into a state of political bedlam, and while it may have only lasted a few hours, it poses a serious test to the U.S.-ROK alliance at the center of efforts to deter North Korean threats.

The ROK’s sudden democratic turmoil due Yoon's actions have placed the U.S. in a difficult position between maintaining strong ties with a key ally in its efforts to counter the DPRK and China, and its emphasis on upholding shared democratic values.