Dressed in a pristine black tuxedo with Joe Biden by his side, Yoon Suk Yeol broke into song.

“A long, long time ago. I can still remember ... how that music used to make me smile.”

Mr Yoon had been invited to take the microphone during a state dinner at the White House in April 2023.

Belting out American Pie was a chance to show the world the softer side of a leader best known for his strong stance on North Korea.

It was also a chance to rub shoulders with the leader of the most powerful democracy in the world in front of the cameras.

On Tuesday, democracy in Mr Yoon’s own country was in peril as he imposed martial law in a dramatic move to stave off looming impeachment.