June Democracy Movement
Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
The June Democracy Movement was a wave of mass protests in South Korea in June 1987. Students led them, and many middle-class citizens joined. They demanded an end to military-backed rule. They were angered when the government tried to hide the death of a student who had been tortured by police. The movement forced the Chun Doo-hwan government to accept direct presidential elections, where people vote for the president themselves. It was a turning point in Korea's move to democracy.
Example
After the protests in June 1987, the government agreed to direct elections. In the election held that year, Roh Tae-woo won because the opposition vote was split between rival candidates.
Don't confuse with
- Gwangju Democratisation Movement (May 1980): this was a rising in the city of Gwangju against Chun Doo-hwan's seizure of power, and it was crushed. The June 1987 movement was nationwide and it succeeded.
- April Revolution (1960): these protests against a rigged election forced President Syngman Rhee to resign.
Related concepts
- Taiwan
- Cross-Strait relations
- Joseon dynasty
- Japanese annexation of Korea
- 38th parallel
- Korean War
- Park Chung-hee
- Export-oriented industrialisation
- Import substitution industrialisation
- Saemaul Movement