12.12: The Day

On the night of October 26, 1979, a significant turning point in South Korea’s history unfolds as news of [Park Chung-hee]‘s sudden assassination spreads rapidly. This unexpected event throws the country into chaos, with military leaders, high-ranking government officials, and regional unit commanders urgently summoned to the Army Headquarters to address the crisis. Among the summoned is [Major General Lee Tae-shin], whose arrival is marked by confusion and uncertainty about the rapidly developing situation. Moments after his arrival, [Prime Minister Choi Han-kyu] announces the president’s death to the nation and declares martial law across the majority of South Korea, sparing only Jeju Island from these sweeping measures.

The declaration of martial law marks the beginning of a power struggle ensconced in suspicion and intrigue. [General Jung Sang-ho], appointed as the martial law commander, orders an investigation into the assassination, placing [Chun Doo-gwang], the head of the Defense Security Command, in charge of leading this inquiry. As the government’s authority weakens amid the vacuum created by the president’s death, Chun begins to aggressively manipulate the investigation. He sidelines other officials, consolidates power within his own faction, and misappropriates state funds to serve his ambitions. Meanwhile, [Jung Sang-ho] begins to see signs that Chun’s intentions extend beyond mere investigation, raising suspicions about his true motives.

Tensions mount as [Chun Doo-gwang] and [Jung Sang-ho] quickly find themselves at odds. Jung, sensing Chun’s dangerous desire to take control of the military and the government, warns against military interference in politics. In an effort to counterbalance Chun’s rising influence, Jung appoints [Lee Tae-shin], a principled and politically neutral figure, as the commander of the Capital Defense Command. Although reluctant at first, [Lee Tae-shin] accepts this crucial post out of a strong sense of duty to his country. However, Chun perceives Lee as a potential obstacle and begins to secretly plot his downfall by falsely accusing him of complicity in the president’s assassination.

Chun skillfully assembles loyal members of the secretive Hanahoe faction, including his trusted ally, [General Noh Tae-gun], to carry out his plans. They conspire to arrest [Jung Sang-ho] on fabricated charges, setting the stage for a military coup scheduled for December 12. On that tense day, Chun and his forces deceive and manipulate government officials, mobilizing units under Hanahoe’s influence. They forcibly abduct [Jung Sang-ho] from his residence amidst a fierce resistance that results in a shootout and injuries to Jung’s aides. Despite strong opposition, Chun’s forces succeed in capturing the general, advancing their controversial plan.

Meanwhile, [Lee Tae-shin] begins to uncover the heightening threat of the coup and rushes to his command to respond. He issues orders to loyal military units to block key bridges and entry points into Seoul, trying to prevent the coup from spreading. Nevertheless, Chun, aiming to legitimize the operation, seeks presidential approval for the coup, but [Choi Han-kyu], the acting president, refuses to endorse the arrest of Jung without proper legal procedures. Tensions escalate further when [Lee Tae-shin], determined to reestablish order, threatens to shell the rebel-held 30th Security Group unless they surrender. Just as chaos reaches its peak, Defense Minister [Oh Guk-sang], who had been in hiding, unexpectedly arrives and orders [Lee Tae-shin] to dismiss his forces, bringing an abrupt end to the standoff.

Following this humiliating setback, Chun’s influence is reinforced as [Lee Tae-shin]‘s forces are disbanded, and Chun regains control over the situation. Despite this, [Lee Tae-shin] refuses to accept defeat quietly; he approaches Chun alone in a gesture of confrontation but is ultimately arrested. The Hanahoe faction celebrates their victory, having secured their grip on power, while loyalist leaders face torture and detention. In the aftermath, Chun Doo-gwang fortifies his position remarkably, securing the president’s retroactive approval of the coup, paving his way to hold the real reins of power in South Korea.

This story delves into a period marked by political turmoil, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of control. It highlights how a fragile democracy was challenged by clandestine military machinations, and the deep divisions within the nation’s highest ranks. The narrative underscores the complex interplay of loyalty, deception, and ambition that shaped South Korea’s history during this tumultuous time.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:13