Overview
Park Chung-hee (November 14, 1917 – October 26, 1979) was a South Korean military general and politician who served as the 5th through 9th President of South Korea from 1963 to 1979. He seized power through the May 16 coup in 1961 and ruled for 18 years. He led South Koreas rapid economic development known as the "Miracle on the Han River" through the Five-Year Economic Development Plans and Saemaul Movement, but faced criticism for authoritarian rule under the Yushin Constitution.
Basic Information
| Name | Park Chung-hee (박정희) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 14, 1917 |
| Date of Death | October 26, 1979 (aged 61) |
| Birthplace | Gumi, North Gyeongsang |
| Education | Manchurian Military Academy, Japanese Military Academy |
| Party | Democratic Republican Party |
| Term | December 17, 1963 – October 26, 1979 |
May 16 Military Coup
On May 16, 1961, Park led a military coup overthrowing the Chang Myon government. He became Chairman of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction and later won the presidential election in 1963 after transitioning to civilian rule.
Economic Development
Five-Year Economic Development Plans
Starting in 1962, Park implemented a series of Five-Year Economic Development Plans focused on export-led growth. Major projects included POSCO steel company and the Gyeongbu Expressway.
Miracle on the Han River
Under his leadership, South Korea achieved average annual GDP growth of over 9%, transforming from one of the worlds poorest countries into a newly industrialized economy.
Saemaul Movement
Launched in 1970, the Saemaul (New Village) Movement aimed to modernize rural areas through community development, emphasizing "diligence, self-help, and cooperation."
Yushin System
In October 1972, Park declared the Yushin (Revitalization) Constitution, greatly expanding presidential powers through indirect elections and emergency decree powers. This authoritarian turn was widely criticized as a setback for democracy.
Assassination
On October 26, 1979, Park was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, at a dinner in Seoul. This ended 18 years of Park Chung-hee era.
Legacy
Park remains one of the most controversial figures in Korean history, with his economic achievements and democratic suppression both recognized. His daughter Park Geun-hye became the 18th President.