12.12: The Day

On the night of October 26, 1979, Park Chung-hee is mysteriously assassinated. The news shocks the nation and triggers a political crisis, prompting military and government officials to gather at Army Headquarters. Major General Lee Tae-shin arrives confused amidst the unfolding chaos.

Prime Minister Choi Han-kyu announces the president's death and declares martial law throughout South Korea, excluding Jeju Island. This move signifies the power vacuum and attempts to establish control during the crisis. General Jung Sang-ho is appointed as the martial law commander to manage the instability.

General Jung Sang-ho orders an investigation into President Park's assassination. Major General Chun Doo-gwang, head of the Defense Security Command, is appointed to lead the probe. Chun begins to consolidate his influence as the political situation remains unstable.

Chun manipulates the investigation process, sidelining government officials and misappropriating state funds. Tensions grow as Chun's influence increases, raising suspicions among others that he aims to seize complete control. General Jung begins to suspect Chun’s true intentions.

To counterbalance Chun’s growing power, Jung appoints Lee Tae-shin as commander of the Capital Defense Command, an act driven by his sense of duty to prevent military interference in politics. Lee accepts the role despite his reluctance.

Chun secretly schemes with loyal Hanahoe faction members, including Noh Tae-gun, to arrest Jung on fabricated charges. Their plan, aimed at consolidating power, calls for a coup scheduled for December 12, 1979.

On the day of the coup, Chun’s forces deceive officials and use influence to abduct Jung from his residence. During the operation, there is fierce resistance and a shootout that injures Jung's aides, but Chun’s forces succeed in capturing him.

Lee Tae-shin uncovers the coup plot and orders loyal units to block key entry points into Seoul, attempting to thwart Chun’s plans. He threatens to shell rebel-held areas unless they surrender, escalating tensions amidst the chaos.

Defense Minister Oh Guk-sang arrives secretly and orders Lee Tae-shin’s dismissal, immediately halting the counteroffensive. This act shifts control back to Chun’s loyalists and ends the resistance, allowing Chun to regain dominance.

Following his dismissal, Lee Tae-shin approaches Chun alone for talks but is soon arrested. His resistance is quelled, and Chun’s faction begins consolidating power, while loyalist leaders face torture or detention.

Chun officially receives retroactive approval from the president for his coup, legitimizing his seizure of power. This formalizes his control over the government and marks the beginning of his authoritarian rule.