The Biden administration has hailed South Korea as a model democracy and bolstered military ties as it relies on the country as a bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been locked in a bitter fight with the opposition, which controls Parliament.

© South Korea Presidential Office, via Associated Press

A conservative, Mr. Yoon won the presidency in 2022 by a slim margin, promising a more confrontational stance against North Korea. He quickly became unpopular and divisive at home.

© Woohae Cho for The New York Times

The Biden administration has hailed South Korea as a model democracy and bolstered military ties as it relies on the country as a bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times