You can also express your opinion on this subject as well as what is going on in Korea with regards to this matter. This is the chronology. The savage army assault on a doomed stand for democracy by demonstrators in Kwangju came to symbolize the brutal excesses of Chun's military-backed rule. Official figures say almost 200 people were killed when paratroopers ran amok in Kwangju. 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.