Residents say thousands may have been butchered. Martial law is declared in Seoul and surrounding areas. Dec. 12 - Chun Doo Hwan, then a major general, ousts military leadership and takes over as head of group of young military officers. This event is now described by President Kim as a coup. May 21 - Special Warfare troops withdraw to outskirts of Kwangju.
Demonstrators occupy key facilties in city center.
May 27 - Forces from the less fearsome 20th Division enter Kwangju, storm provincial capital building and end resistance. Chun pushes Choi aside and is named president. He is re-elected in 1981 and serves until February 1988. Roh Tae-woo succeeds Chun and serves till February 1993. Chun testifies before National Assembly over the coup and massacre.