History of Chun Doo-hwan

Chun Doo-hwan was a significant figure in South Korean politics, whose career and actions have left a lasting impact on the country's history. Born on January 18, 1931, in Hapcheon, in what was then South Gyeongsang Province, Korea, Chun’s life journey took him from military service to the presidency of South Korea, a journey marked by controversy, ambition, and influence.

Chun's early life was shaped by Korea's tumultuous environment during the Japanese occupation, and later the Korean War. After high school, he enlisted in the Korea Military Academy, where he graduated in 1955. This education set the stage for his career in the military, which would become the primary stepping stone to his political power.

Rising through the ranks, Chun was an officer in the South Korean Army during a particularly volatile time in South Korea’s history. By 1979, he had become a major general and secured a position as the commander of the Defense Security Command, a pivotal role that he would use to influence national events.

The political landscape in South Korea during the 1970s was largely dominated by Park Chung-hee’s authoritarian rule. However, following Park’s assassination in October 1979, South Korea was thrown into political instability. The resulting power vacuum set the stage for Chun’s rise to power. In a decisive move, Chun orchestrated a military coup on December 12, 1979, known as the “12.12 Coup”. This coup effectively consolidated his power and placed him in control of South Korea’s political scene, as he took control of key military and political positions.

In May 1980, Chun imposed martial law across the nation, extending his control. This action prompted widespread dissent and protests, particularly in the city of Gwangju. The Gwangju Uprising, which began in mid-May, was a significant and tragic event in South Korean history. Chun’s government responded with brutal military force, resulting in hundreds of deaths, an event that has never truly been forgotten or forgiven by much of the South Korean populace. The suppression of the Gwangju Uprising further solidified Chun's authoritarian rule and his reputation as a dictatorial leader.

Chun officially became the President of South Korea on September 1, 1980, following the resignation of interim President Choi Kyu-hah. His presidency was marked by both economic development and stringent control over political expression. During his tenure, Chun implemented policies that fostered economic growth, famously known as the "3 Lows" — low interest rates, low oil prices, and low currency exchange rates — which resulted in an export boom that benefited the South Korean economy significantly.

However, his administration was also infamous for its repressive tactics, including censorship, suppression of political dissent, and human rights abuses. Chun's government maintained tight control over the media and curtailed freedoms, reflecting the same authoritarian style that characterized his rise to power.

In response to mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, and following public outcry and massive pro-democracy protests in June 1987, Chun eventually agreed to presidential elections and announced that he would not seek another term. This led to a new constitution and the first direct presidential elections in South Korea since before the military coup. His successor, Roh Tae-woo, though a former army general like Chun, was elected in a contested yet relatively fair democratic election in December 1987.

After leaving office in 1988, Chun attempted to fade into a quiet retirement, but his past actions would soon return to the forefront of public consciousness. By the mid-1990s, Chun and Roh were both implicated in charges of corruption and treason, particularly for their respective roles in the Gwangju massacre and the aforementioned coups. In 1996, Chun was convicted and sentenced to death — a sentence that was later commuted to life imprisonment. However, a year later, he received a presidential pardon from Kim Young-sam, a move believed to seek national reconciliation.

Despite the pardon, the shadow of his presidency loomed large over Chun until his passing on November 23, 2021. Chun Doo-hwan’s legacy is a complex tapestry; he is often criticized for his authoritarian rule and the brutal suppression of civil liberties, yet some acknowledge the economic strides made during his administration.

Today, Chun’s life and political career remain topics of heated debate in South Korea. His name evokes reminders of an era marked by authoritarianism, controversy, and change. Chun Doo-hwan's story is a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the lasting effects of political decisions on a nation's history and its people.