Jailed ex-leader calls for rally

South Korea's ousted former leader Yoon Suk Yeol issued a call from prison yesterday urging his supporters to rally for “freedom” and defending his decision to declare martial law a year ago.

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On 3 December, 2024, Yoon suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.

A year later, the country remains politically polarised as it faces a slowing economy and an ageing population, as well as the lingering threat from North Korea. In a statement sent by his lawyers, Yoon called on followers to “rise again in defence of the Republic of Korea’s freedom”.