Hegseth delays South Korea visit amid political uncertainty

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has postponed his planned visit to South Korea amid ongoing political uncertainty following President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration. The South Korean Defense Ministry confirmed the delay was due to scheduling issues on the U.S. side. This postponement reflects concerns about the leadership vacuum in South Korea as the nation awaits a decision on Yoon's impeachment trial. The U.S. has also designated South Korea as a "sensitive country" for energy cooperation, complicating diplomatic relations. South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the U.S. decision, which was communicated through unofficial channels. Meanwhile, North Korea is advancing its nuclear ambitions, posing additional security challenges for South Korea.