Police and riot control couldn't contain demonstrators in Gwangju and Seoul. A national emergency was declared.
"...[T]he maneuver of the North Korean Communist have been stepped up with each passing day to communize the south by taking advantage of continuous social disturbance... At this critical moment the irresponsible rash attempts and blind behavior of some politicians, students, and workers have covered this society into a lawless one of chaos, disorder, agitation and subversion." |
Gwangju Presente. Tim Shorrock. Money Doesn't Talk, It Swears.
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On May 18, democratic activists Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae Jung were detained. After martial law was declared for the entire nation, most student demonstrations settled down. All except in Gwangju.
Personal interview with George N. Katsiaficas. Author of Asia's Unknown Uprisings: South Korea Social Movements in the 20th Century.
Martial law instructions distributed on May 17. Open Archives.
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The 11th Airborne Brigade was deployed under the orders of Chun Doo-hwan and Commander Roh Tae-woo. While the U.S. was aware of the protests and the deployment of troops, no action was taken.
Gleynsteens summary on May 17, 1980. State FOIA #5, NODIS/Cherokee, Tim Shorrock.
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"[The Carter Administration] has decided to support the restoration of security and order in [South] Korea while deferring pressure for political liberalization."
-Hodding Carter speaking for the Carter Administration, May 23, 1980.
Protesters were violently suppressed. They were beaten with batons and dead bodies were loaded onto trucks to be buried in masses. Student leaders were sent to prison.
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"They tied our hands together and pushed us into a truck, like drying dead fish. It felt like we were on that truck all day. We arrived at a prison at night." |
On May 19, students began to throw rocks to oppose the use of military force. This opposition prompted Chun Doo-hwan to send the 7th Special Warfare Brigade.
"도시게릴라식 소요 및 난동 형태에 대비. 소규모로 편성한 다수 진압부대를 융통성 있게 운용. 10인 이상 집결 방지. 다수 편의대 운용 치명상을 입지 않은 범위 내에서 과감한 타격. 통금시간 대폭 연장. 총기피탈 방지. 주민에게 선무 홍보활동 강화." "Prepare for urban guerrilla-style disturbances and riot patterns. Flexible operation with multiple small squadron. Avoid gathering more than 10 people in the crowd. A drastic blow within a range that is not fatal. Extend curfew time significantly. Prevention of firearms. Strengthen public relations activities for residents." |
Troops lined up on Gumnam street, May 19. Gwangju Uprising Information Pamphlet.
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