On the 17th (local time), the US Department of Defense was asked whether they would apologize if the allegations of wiretapping of the US National Security Office in South Korea were true.
According to the briefing remarks by Sabrina Singh, deputy spokesperson for the Department of Defense, posted on the US Department of Defense website on the same day, Deputy Spokesperson Singh asked, “The ROK and US defense ministers agreed that the leaked classified documents in the recent phone call were substantially forged. What is the evidence that they were forged?” , he replied, “I think you asked about the validity of some documents leaked online, but I will not comment on specific documents.”
“All I can say is that we are evaluating and reviewing the documents to see if they have been further manipulated,” he said, refusing to comment on specifics.
At the same time, when asked, “Do you think the leaker has an intention to damage Korea-US relations?”
Deputy Spokesperson Singh responded to the question, “If the US wiretapping is true, would you apologize to South Korea?”
“We have a very good relationship with South Korea,” he said. “You may have heard right here that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that our commitment (to Korea) is strong and that we have a positive relationship with South Korea.” he emphasized.
Previously, the Ministry of National Defense announced that Minister Austin explained the situation of media reports leaking military secrets in a phone call with Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop on the 11th, and stated that he would fully cooperate with the South Korean government in close communication. Regarding this call, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office at the time, said, “South Korea and the U.S. agreed that much of the information that was disclosed was forged.”
White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby also mentioned the leak of classified documents in a briefing that day. “We are taking a close look at our security procedures and evaluating whether any changes are necessary,” he said.
At the same time, it was reported that US President Joe Biden instructed senior administration officials to directly contact allies to reassure them and to answer questions as much as possible.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.