June Democratic Struggle

In June 1987 nationwide protests in South Korea forced the military government to accept direct presidential elections and democratic reforms.

Overview

Public anger at the Chun Doo-hwan regime grew after the death under police torture of the student Park Jong-chul in January 1987 was exposed. When Chun announced that his chosen successor Roh Tae-woo would be selected under the existing indirect system, protests erupted across the country from 10 June, joined by office workers and the middle class. The death of the student Lee Han-yeol, struck by a tear gas canister, further inflamed the movement. On 29 June Roh issued a declaration accepting direct presidential elections and the restoration of civil liberties. A new constitution was adopted in 1987, marking the transition of South Korea to democracy.