Coup d'état of May Seventeenth: The Rise of Chun Doo-hwan and the Shift in South Korean Power
On May 17, 1980, the political landscape of South Korea underwent a seismic shift. What began as a period of democratic transition following the assassination of President Park Chung Hee culminated in a military coup d'état—the sudden, violent seizure of power from a government—led by General Chun Doo-hwan. This event effectively dismantled the civilian government and ushered in a new era of military-led rule.
To understand the significance of the May 17 coup, one must look at the volatile atmosphere of the late 1970s. After the assassination of President Park on October 26, 1979, the nation hoped for democratization. While acting president Choi Kyu-hah attempted to ease restrictive regulations, the underlying authoritarian structures remained, creating a vacuum that ambitious military leaders were eager to fill.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Date: May 17, 1980
- Primary Leader: General Chun Doo-hwan
- Key Outcome: Deposition of Prime Minister Shin Hyun-hwak and President Choi Kyu-hah
- Major Event: The Gwangju Uprising (May 18, 1980)
- Political Group: The Shin-gun-bu (New Military Group)
The Path to the Coup
The seeds of the coup were sown months earlier. General Chun Doo-hwan, then head of the Defence Security Command, had already begun consolidating power. On December 12, 1979, he arrested the ROKA (Republic of Korea Army) chief of staff, Jeong Seung-hwa, effectively seizing control of the military. Following this, Chun and his allies from the Korean Military Academy, including Roh Tae-woo, were placed in strategic command positions.
As Chun strengthened his grip, the South Korean public responded with the Seoul Spring—a series of massive demonstrations calling for democracy. By mid-May 1980, tensions reached a breaking point, with over 100,000 students gathering at Seoul Station to demand an end to military influence.
The Expansion of Martial Law
On May 17, 1980, Chun declared Martial Law Decree No. 10, expanding military control across the entire nation. This decree brought severe restrictions to daily life, including:
- The closure of all universities.
- A total ban on political activities and labor strikes.
- Strict censorship of the press and prohibition of public criticism.
- A ban on public gatherings of more than three people (except for funerals).
The crackdown was swift. The Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) raided a national conference of student leaders, resulting in the arrest of approximately 2,700 people, including 26 prominent politicians. Pro-democracy activists were often branded as communist traitors to justify their suppression.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบThe Gwangju Uprising
The most violent consequence of the expanded martial law occurred in Gwangju. On May 18, 1980, citizens of Gwangju rose up against the military junta. For nine days, the citizens held control of the city and took up arms to defend themselves. However, the uprising was ultimately crushed by the South Korean army through violent force.
The Shin-gun-bu and the New Regime
The coup was orchestrated by the Shin-gun-bu, or the New Military Group. Unlike the previous regime under Park Chung Hee, which focused on economic development and stability, the Shin-gun-bu regime sought to further restrict the social, political, and economic systems, eventually leading to a significant loss of political legitimacy.
By June 1980, Chun and Roh Tae-woo used military force to dissolve the National Assembly and its political parties. Chun established the National Defense Emergency Policy Committee, installing himself as the head of command. This maneuver paved the way for the formal transition of power.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Belligerents | Republic of Korea Armed Forces vs. Government of South Korea |
| Key Leaders (Coup) | Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo |
| Key Leaders (Government) | Choi Kyu-hah, Shin Hyun-hwak |
| Political Result | Chun Doo-hwan became President in September 1980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Seoul Spring?
The Seoul Spring refers to the period of mass demonstrations and pro-democracy movements in South Korea during the early months of 1980, driven by public discontent with military influence and the Yushin system.
Who was the Shin-gun-bu?
The Shin-gun-bu, or the New Military Group, was a faction of military officers, led by figures like Chun Doo-hwan, that filled the power vacuum after the assassination of Park Chung Hee and seized control of the government.
How did the coup affect the media?
Under the expanded martial law, the Korean news media was muzzled. Public criticism was prohibited from being broadcast, and many journalists had to go to great lengths, such as walking miles to find working telephone lines, to report on events like the Gwangju Uprising.
When did Chun Doo-hwan officially take power?
After President Choi Kyu-hah resigned in August 1980, the National Conference for Unification voted for Chun Doo-hwan to become president. He officially took power on September 1, 1980.
What happened to the political leaders arrested during the coup?
Many prominent political figures, including Kim Dae-jung, Kim Yong-sam, Kim Jong-pil, and Yi Hu-rak, were apprehended during the crackdown. Some faced severe legal consequences, including death sentences in the months following the coup.