1980 – Korea Democratic Movements

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The 4.19 Revolution

Opposition Movement on Korea-Japan Treaty

1960

Anti constitutional Amendment Movement
for Reelection

Anti-Yushin Movement

Busan-Masan Democratic Uprising

1970

The May 18 Democratic Uprising

1980

The June 10 Uprising

713800 ─ 1980.05.

The May 18 Democratic Uprising

“ Murderer DooWhan Chun OUT! ”

The death of President Park Chung-Hee seemed to put an end to the oppression and dictatorship, however it did not last long. On December 12, 1979, Chun Doo-Hwan’s new military force, succeeding Park Chung-Hee’s regime, staged a coup. In May 1980, the new military forces aimed guns at the citizens who were demanding the ‘abolition of martial law’ and ‘democracy’ in Gwangju.
Citizens of Gwangju formed communities to secure public orders and armed themselves to defend themselves from violent army forces. However, people could not resist the ruthless repression and violence. After ten days of protest, Gwangju became an important symbol of democracy since then.

957724 ─ 1987.06.

The June 10 Uprising

“ Protection of the Constitution!
Abolishment of dictatorship! For democracy! ”

On January 14, 1987, a university student was tortured to death in the Nam Yeong-Dong anti-communist office operated by the police. A young man was killed during Chun Doo-Hwan regime’s try to extend power by oppressing people. People demanded for the truth and punishment of those who were responsible for the incident. However, neither police nor the government admitted the apparent truth. On top of that, the government announced ‘protection of the constitution’ on April 13. Maintaining the constitution meant to keep the indirect election and to ignore people’s long-awaited demand of electing the president by public voting.
In response to this, people came out to streets shouting, “overthrow the dictatorship!” and “fight for democracy!” The non-stop uprising from June 10 to 29 continued until the government’s declaration of surrender and finally achieved the amendment of the constitution; public election for the presidency. The massive strike of workers, which came after the uprising, became an essential driving force to make Korea more justice and democratic society.