The US State Department on Tuesday withheld comment on South Korean President Park Geun-hye's offer to step down over a corruption scandal, only repeating a previous statement that the alliance between the two countries remains firm and the US supports the right to peaceful protests.

Park, who has been under mounting pressure to resign, said in a nationally televised address earlier Tuesday that she will leave her fate to the National Assembly and step down if the ruling and opposition parties put together a power transfer plan.

The State Department said it has no new comment on the situation in Korea, other than spokesman John Kirby's statement the previous day that South Korea remains a steadfast ally and the USsupports the right to protests and will fulfill its security commitments.

"Beyond that, we'd refer you to the government of the Republic of Korea," department spokesperson Alicia Edwards said.
South Koreans have taken to the streets in recent weeks, demanding Park step down over the scandal that centers on allegations that a long-time confidante of hers, Choi Soon-sil, exercised huge influence over her as well as state affairs, while extorting millions of dollars from big businesses.

Park has repeatedly apologized to the nation, but has failed to calm the anger down. (Yonhap)