The White House says the United States is “relieved” that President Yoon Suk Yeol has respected the National Assembly’s vote and lifted martial law. 

A National Security Council spokesperson made the remarks Tuesday in a statement after Yoon lifted martial law, having imposed it a few hours earlier in a surprise declaration.

The White House official said the U.S. is “relieved” Yoon has reversed course on his “concerning” declaration of martial law and respected the National Assembly’s vote to end it. 

The spokesperson added that democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and that the U.S. will continue to monitor the situation.