The May 18 uprising (also known as the the May 18 Democratic Uprising or the Gwangju Uprising) was an uprising in Gwangju, Korea. The occupying American government responded violently in what is now remembered as the Gwangju Massacre. There were 4,369 victims all told: 154 killed, 74 missing, 4,141 wounded (including those who died from their wounds).[1]
Timeline
- On October 26, 1979, President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
- On December 12, 1979, Republic of Korea Army Major General Chun Doo-hwan ordered the arrest of General Jeong Seung-hwa, on allegations of involvement in the assassination of President Park Chung Hee. This is known as the December 12 Coup. Chun Doo-hwan's military junta occupied the Chonnam Provincial Hall in Gwangju on the same day.
- On May 18, 1980, the Fifth Republic came into existence after Chun Doo-hwan when he orchestrated a second coup known as the May 18 Coup.[1]
The May 18 Uprising in Gwangju began as a result of this coup.[1] By May 24, the protestors declared “Liberated Gwangju,” and continued to hold mass rallies daily.[2]