What happened during the Gwangju Democracy Movement (May 1980)?
Protesters in Gwangju were beaten by military, then armed themselves after soldiers opened fire. They held the city for days before being crushed by the army on May 27.
What are the three democratic junctures in Korean history?
1️⃣ April 1960 – Overthrow of Syngman Rhee (fraud & student death)
2️⃣ Oct 1979 – May 1980 – After Park Chung Hee’s assassination → Seoul Spring → ended by Chun’s martial law
3️⃣ June 1987 – Mass protests force direct presidential election reforms (Sixth Republic)
What made the June Uprising (1987) different from earlier protests?
It involved the middle class, broad cross-sector coordination (students, labor, clergy, opposition parties), and massive national protests.
What were the key causes of anti-American sentiment in the 1980s–2000s?
Gwangju Massacre (belief the US allowed Chun’s crackdown)
US economic pressure (trade liberalization demands)
SOFA issues (crimes by US soldiers with no accountability)
How did North Korea influence changing views of the US in South Korea?
After North Korea’s nuclear test in 2006, threat perception rose, leading to increased support for the US alliance.
Why was Chun’s regime considered illegitimate by many Koreans?
He took power through a military coup, declared martial law, and crushed protests violently (esp. Gwangju).
What’s the legacy of the Gwangju movement today?
It's a symbol of democratization and civil resistance. Films, novels, and public memory frame it as a turning point in Korea’s democratic identity.
First Juncture (1960): April Revolution overthrew Syngman Rhee after fraudulent elections
Second Juncture (1980): From Park Chung Hee’s assassination to May 18 (Seoul Spring)
Third Juncture (1987): June Uprising that led to the Sixth Republic and current democratic system
After martial law was declared, students protested
Military beat and killed protesters
Protesters armed themselves, drove out military, and briefly controlled Gwangju
Military later retook city at night, killing/capturing remaining fighters
What made the June Uprising of 1987 different from previous uprisings?
Involvement of the middle class
Cross-sector coordination: students, labor, religious groups, opposition party
More organized and broad-based than previous movements
What were causes of anti-American sentiment (1980s–2000s)?
Suspected US role in Gwangju massacre
Trade friction with the US
Violent crimes by US soldiers
SOFA agreement (Status of Forces Agreement) perceived as unfair
How did North Korea’s actions decrease anti-American sentiment in South Korea?
After North Korea’s first nuclear test (2006), South Koreans viewed the US alliance as more essential for national security.
Could anti-American sentiment rise again in the near future?
Yes: “America First” politics, rising trade tensions, reduced US credibility
No: Continued threat from North Korea and China makes US alliance vital
Zuletzt geändertvor 7 Tagen