How did the 1960 presidential election lead to Syngman Rhee’s resignation?

The 1960 presidential election was a pivotal moment that led to the resignation of Syngman Rhee due to widespread allegations of electoral fraud.12

Following the March 1960 election, in which the government claimed Rhee had secured more than 90 percent of the popular vote, the public erupted in protest. These accusations of corruption triggered massive, student-led demonstrations across the country. The unrest intensified following a major event on April 19, 1960, which resulted in significant casualties among the demonstrators.21

Facing mounting pressure from these protests, the unanimous opposition of the National Assembly, and a lack of support from the U.S. government, Rhee resigned on April 27, 1960. Shortly thereafter, he fled into exile in Hawaii, ending his long tenure as the first president of South Korea.21