Overview
Roh Tae-woo (August 17, 1932 – October 26, 2021) was a South Korean military general and politician who served as the 13th President of South Korea from 1988 to 1993. He led the December 12 coup with Chun Doo-hwan but later announced the June 29 Declaration that led to direct presidential elections. His Nordpolitik (Northern Policy) achieved diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and China.
Basic Information
| Name | Roh Tae-woo (노태우) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1932 |
| Date of Death | October 26, 2021 (aged 89) |
| Birthplace | Dalseong County, North Gyeongsang |
| Education | Korea Military Academy, Class 11 |
| Party | Democratic Justice Party |
| Term | February 25, 1988 – February 24, 1993 |
Military Career
Roh graduated from the Korea Military Academy as part of Class 11, the same class as Chun Doo-hwan. He was a key member of the military faction known as Hanahoe.
December 12 Coup
After President Park Chung-hee was assassinated on October 26, 1979, Roh participated with Chun Doo-hwan in the December 12 military mutiny, seizing control of the military by arresting Army Chief of Staff General Chung Seung-hwa without presidential authorization.
June 29 Declaration
As the June Democracy Movement swept the nation in 1987, Roh announced the historic June 29 Declaration as the presidential candidate of the ruling party, accepting demands for direct presidential elections. This led to the constitutional amendment establishing the current five-year single-term presidential system.
Nordpolitik (Northern Policy)
Rohs greatest achievement was Nordpolitik, which normalized relations with communist bloc countries:
- 1989: Established diplomatic relations with Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia
- 1990: Historic normalization with the Soviet Union
- 1991: Both Koreas joined the United Nations
- 1992: Established diplomatic relations with China
Post-Presidency
Roh was convicted of mutiny and treason in 1996 and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He was pardoned in December 1997. He died on October 26, 2021.