1. Introduction
On December 12, 1979, South Korea experienced a shocking event: a military coup. Led by Major General Chun Doo-hwan, the New Military Faction ousted President Choi Kyu-ha and seized power. This coup left a deep scar on modern Korean history and remains a controversial issue to this day.
In this blog, we will delve into the background, major events, results and impacts of the 12.12 Coup, and its significance for us today.
2. Background of the 12.12 Coup
In the late 1970s, President Park Chung-hee's long-term rule and authoritarian politics sparked public discontent. The assassination of President Park on October 26, 1979, plunged South Korean society into turmoil.
Subsequently, President Choi Kyu-ha took office as interim president, but his moderate democratization policies drew the ire of the military. In particular, the New Military Faction, centered on Major General Chun Doo-hwan, opposed President Choi's democratization policies and plotted to seize power.
3. Major Events
December 12: The New Military Faction, led by Major General Chun Doo-hwan, launched a coup d'état, mobilizing troops. They ousted President Choi Kyu-ha, declared martial law, and took control of the nation.
December 13: The New Military Faction tightened martial law and cracked down on the press, civic groups, and others. They also arrested Central Intelligence Agency Director Kim Jae-kyu and others in connection with the assassination of President Park.
December 14: Major General Chun Doo-hwan was appointed Minister of Defense and formed the Hanahoe, the group that led the coup.
4. Results and Impacts
The 12.12 Coup dealt a significant blow to the South Korean democratization movement. The New Military Faction suppressed the press and civil society under martial law, arresting and detaining pro-democracy activists. Furthermore, Major General Chun Doo-hwan brutally suppressed the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980, resulting in the sacrifice of numerous civilians.
The 12.12 Coup left a deep scar on modern Korean history and remains a controversial issue to this day. There are ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the coup, the responsibility for the victims' sacrifices, and its impact on democratic development.
5. Significance for Us Today
The 12.12 Coup was a turning point in Korean democratic history. It reminds us of the importance of democracy and the dangers of authoritarian rule. It also underscores the importance of efforts to overcome the 12.12 Coup and advance democracy.
Today, we must strive to prevent the tragedy of the 12.12 Coup from happening again. We must also cultivate democratic values and create a society that respects freedom and human rights.
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