Well, even if Lee loses power, I don’t think it will be because of US Machinations. It will mostly be because of South Koreas own internal political issues. South Korea has had several leaders this past years who have been controversial and thus removed from office . It has little to do with the US, it’s more of internal issues and unstable political landscape, same thing in Japan who had like 4 leaders in 3 years. Very little to do with the US, they are all due to internal politics and domestic policies. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT HUMAN BEINGS AROUND THE GLOBE IN EVERY COUNTRY(THOSE ALLOWED TO VOTE ANYWAY) ALWAYS PRIORITIZE THEIR DOMESTIC/LOCAL ISSUES WHEN VOTING A LEADER OR REPRESENTATIVE IN OFFICE, FORIEGN POLICY HAS LITTLE TO NO BEARING ON THOSE. So foreign policy is secondary . So don’t read much into that.The question is, how long he will be allowed to be in power .
I feel the US doesn't like that type of leader and sooner or later, may plan his downfall or next election
Don't forget, even with the enactment of martial law, the PPP still got like 40% of the vote.