Tokyo is closely monitoring the situation in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s temporary declaration of emergency martial law, with the political turmoil in Seoul expected to affect the improving relations between Japan and the neighboring countries.

Some Japanese government officials have voiced concerns about the future of the Yoon administration as the political confusion in South Korea is expected to continue for the time being, although the martial law order was lifted only about six hours after it was issued.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told Wednesday that he is carefully watching the situation in South Korea “with special and serious attention.”