Yes, having an ally and then saying "we don't care" is a prelude for distrust from other nations. In any case, the US has already made their pledge to defend their South Korean allies and unless you think they are bluffing, I take it that "vital strategic interest" (? material interest?) isn't always a necessary precondition. Besides, apart from some of the industries in the South (electronics, ship building, vehicles), the United States also has a significant Korean immigrant population, most of whom are well educated. Nothing vital or strategic in that I presume...
A war seems highly unlikely though. Their nuclear bullying doesn't seem to be working in getting what they want.
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