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

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near the presidential residence. The standoff over his arrest reflects Cold War-era ideologies that still shape the country’s politics. Photograph: Ahn Young-joon/AP

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”.