Fifth Republic of Korea

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Fifth Republic of Korea

The Fifth Republic of Korea was the government of South Korea from 1981 to 1987, following the Fourth Republic of Korea and preceding the Sixth Republic of Korea. It was established after the Coup d'état of December Twelfth and the subsequent Gwangju Uprising.

Establishment[edit | edit source]

The Fifth Republic was established under the leadership of Chun Doo-hwan, who became the President of South Korea after the Coup d'état of December Twelfth in 1979. Chun's rise to power was marked by significant political turmoil and public unrest, culminating in the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980, where government forces violently suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations.

Political Structure[edit | edit source]

The Fifth Republic was characterized by a strong presidential system. Chun Doo-hwan's administration implemented a new constitution in 1981, which aimed to legitimize his rule and stabilize the political situation. The new constitution included provisions for a single seven-year presidential term, which was intended to prevent the long-term dictatorship that had characterized previous regimes.

Economic Policies[edit | edit source]

During the Fifth Republic, South Korea experienced significant economic growth and development. The government pursued aggressive industrial policies, focusing on heavy industries and export-oriented growth. This period saw the rise of major South Korean conglomerates, known as chaebol, which played a crucial role in the country's economic expansion.

Human Rights and Repression[edit | edit source]

Despite economic progress, the Fifth Republic was also marked by political repression and human rights abuses. The Chun administration maintained strict control over the media, suppressed political dissent, and used the National Security Act to detain and imprison political opponents. The government's actions during the Gwangju Uprising remain a particularly controversial and painful chapter in South Korean history.

Transition to the Sixth Republic[edit | edit source]

The Fifth Republic came to an end in 1987, following widespread public protests and demands for democratic reforms. The June Democratic Uprising forced Chun Doo-hwan to agree to constitutional amendments that allowed for direct presidential elections. This led to the establishment of the Sixth Republic of Korea, which marked the beginning of a more democratic era in South Korean politics.