Portrait of Chun Doo Hwan
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Chun Doo Hwan on Park Chung Hee

Successor and Successor (strong)

TL;DR

Chun Doo Hwan succeeded Park Chung Hee by seizing power following the latter's assassination and subsequently maintained authoritarian rule.

Key Points

  • Chun orchestrated the 12 December 1979 coup only weeks after Park Chung Hee was assassinated.

  • Chun was a trusted right-hand man and protégé of Park, commanding the Defense Security Command under him.

  • Chun's government officially rejected Park's previous political system, striking references to the 1961 coup from the constitution.

Summary

Chun Doo Hwan's position regarding Park Chung Hee is defined by his immediate succession after Park's assassination in October 1979. Chun, who was already a protégé of Park and commanded the Defense Security Command, quickly maneuvered to take control of the investigation into the assassination, consolidating power through the December 1979 military coup with his Hanahoe clique. While Chun initially governed under a figurehead president, his subsequent actions, including expanding martial law and launching the May 17, 1980 crackdown, established a military dictatorship in the mold of the preceding regime.

Although Chun's subsequent Fifth Republic constitution was described as somewhat less authoritarian than Park’s Yushin Constitution, Chun's rule in substance was highly similar, suppressing political liberties and tightly controlling criticism. Chun explicitly moved to reject Park's presidency, striking references to Park's 1961 coup from the constitution and announcing a plan to restore justice by removing corruption from Park's tenure. Nevertheless, the new regime's authoritarian techniques and focus on stability over liberal democracy echoed the systems established by his predecessor.

Key Quotes

Many people say that, aside from the military coup and the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980, Chun Doo-hwan made mistakes but was good at politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chun Doo Hwan came to power following the assassination of Park Chung Hee in October 1979. Chun, then a key military commander, quickly took charge of the assassination investigation and then leveraged his control over the military to stage a coup on December 12, 1979. He subsequently became the de facto leader and was formally inaugurated as President in September 1980.

Chun Doo Hwan's rule, the Fifth Republic, was highly authoritarian, echoing the style of Park's regime. However, Chun formally rejected aspects of Park's structure, like striking references to the 1961 coup from the constitution. Despite this break, his government maintained tight control over political liberties, similar to the preceding era.

Yes, Chun Doo Hwan was considered a protégé and loyal subordinate of Park Chung Hee, having been favored by the late president and holding key security positions. This relationship made his swift seizure of power after Park's death possible, as he controlled the investigation and key military factions.