SEOUL (REUTERS) - The United States looks forward to a "productive relationship" with the next South Korean president, a US embassy spokesman said on Friday (March 10) following the removal of President Park Geun Hye from office over a corruption scandal.

"The United States continues to be a steadfast ally, friend, and partner to the Republic of Korea," the spokesman told Reuters.

"Ultimately, it is a domestic issue for the people of Korea to decide through their democratic process and we respect their decisions".

The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.