Communist spies and assassination attempts: how the cold war still shapes South Korean politics

Attitudes to North Korea are key to understanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law and its aftermath

As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remains barricaded in his residence facing arrest, his descent from star prosecutor to isolated leader reveals a deeper story about a cold war-era ideology that continues to shape - and shake - South Korean politics.

The scenes outside his residence might look familiar to audiences who followed Trump-era politics: supporters waving American flags claiming democracy is under threat, decrying fake news", rallying against alleged election fraud, and calls to make Korea great again".