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South Korea GENERAL CHUN DOO HWAN TAKES OVER
Whatever counsel the civilian leaders may have offered Ch'oe,
the military's position prevailed. Chun Doo Hwan, as head of the
Defense Security Command, had already replaced the army chief of
staff in December 1979 and had taken the command of the KCIA in
April 1980.
Chun's methodical and speedy actions after May 17 clearly
revealed that he had a well-laid plan. He issued a decree closing
down the colleges and universities and prohibiting all political
gatherings. All publications and broadcasts were to receive prior
censorship, criticism of the incumbent and past presidents was
outlawed, and the manufacture and spreading of rumors were
forbidden. Chun's plan aimed not only at quelling demonstrations
but also at destroying the power base of all existing political
figures and groups.
The arrest of Kim Dae Jung and other arch enemies of Park was
to be expected as soon as the military stepped in on May 17. But
the arrest of Kim Chong-p'il and other people who had been
influential under Park came as a total surprise.
Data as of June 1990
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