Who was Choi Kyu-hah?
Q: Who was Choi Kyu-hah?
A: Choi Kyu-hah was the President of South Korea between 1979 and 1980. He was born in the town of Wonju, in Gangwon Province. He had also served as foreign minister from 1967 to 1971 and prime minister from 1975 to 1979.
Q: How did Choi become president?
A: After the assassination of Park Chung Hee in 1979, Choi, who was prime minister at the time, took power. To address unrest caused by Park's authoritarian rule, he promised a new constitution and democratic elections which he won later that year to become the country's fourth president.
Q: What happened after Chun Doo-hwan staged a military coup against Choi's government?
A: After Chun Doo-hwan staged a military coup against Choi's government they quickly removed the army chief of staff and by early 1980 virtually controlled the government. In April 1980, because of increasing pressure from Chun and other politicians, Choi appointed Chun as head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency giving him enormous power. In May, Chun declared martial law and removed all trappings of civilian government becoming de facto ruler of the country.
Q: What led to student protests in Seoul and Gwangju?
A: The student protests were sparked by increasing pressure on President Choi from Chun Doo-hwan and other politicians which resulted in his appointment as head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency giving him enormous power over civilian government affairs. This eventually led to martial law being declared by Chun Doo-hwan resulting in student protests taking place across Seoul and Gwangju cities.
Q: What happened during Gwangju Massacre?
A: During Gwangju Massacre over 200 civilians were killed within five days by forces loyal to then de facto ruler Chun Doo-hwan due to their refusal to accept his declaration of martial law across South Korea following his successful military coup against President Choi Kyu-Hah's government earlier that year.
Q: When did President Choi resign?
A: Following increased pressure due to student protests across Seoul and Gwangju cities as well as Gwangju Massacre occurring soon afterwards President Cho resigned soon afterward on May 1980 allowing for Major General Chun Doo-Hwan take control over South Korea with him becoming president on September 1st 1980 .
Q: When did President Cho die ? A:President Cho died on October 22nd 2006 aged 87 years old
