Overview
Chun Doo-hwan (January 18, 1931 – November 23, 2021) was a South Korean military general and politician who served as the 11th and 12th President of South Korea from 1980 to 1988. He seized power through the December 12 coup and suppressed the Gwangju Democratization Movement in May 1980.
Basic Information
| Name | Chun Doo-hwan (전두환) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1931 |
| Date of Death | November 23, 2021 (aged 90) |
| Birthplace | Hapcheon County, South Gyeongsang |
| Education | Korea Military Academy, Class 11 |
| Party | Democratic Justice Party |
| Term | September 1, 1980 – February 24, 1988 |
Military Career
Chun graduated from the Korea Military Academy Class 11 and served in the Vietnam War. He co-founded the Hanahoe military faction with Roh Tae-woo. In 1979, he became commander of the Defense Security Command.
December 12 Coup
Following President Park Chung-hees assassination on October 26, 1979, Chun led the December 12 military mutiny with Hanahoe members, arresting Army Chief of Staff General Chung Seung-hwa without presidential authorization and seizing military control.
Gwangju Democratization Movement
On May 17, 1980, Chun expanded martial law nationwide and arrested opposition leaders including Kim Dae-jung. The Gwangju citizens uprising in protest was violently suppressed by special forces. Official records indicate 165 dead, 65 missing, and over 600 total casualties.
Presidency
Chun became president in August 1980 and established the Fifth Republic in 1981. His authoritarian rule included press consolidation and the Samcheong Re-education Camp. Economically, Korea experienced high growth during the "Three Lows" boom (low oil prices, low interest rates, low dollar).
Post-Presidency
After leaving office in 1988, Chun retreated to Baekdamsa Temple. In 1996, he was convicted of mutiny and treason, sentenced to death (later reduced to life imprisonment). He was pardoned in December 1997. He died on November 23, 2021.