Fourth Republic

South Korean history

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June 26, 2026

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The Fourth Republic of South Korea, also known as the Yushin order, began in December 1972 under President Park Chung Hee. Park suspended the constitution and enacted a new one that allowed for unlimited six-year presidential terms. The National Conference for Unification was established to elect the president, with Park being elected and reelected under this system. Political unrest grew, particularly after the kidnapping of Kim Dae-Jung and the expulsion of Kim Young-Sam from the National Assembly. This culminated in Park's assassination in October 1979 by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency. Following this, General Chun Doo-hwan imposed military rule, suppressing a student uprising in Gwangju in May 1980.1

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South Korea
The Yushin order (Fourth Republic)
In December 1971, shortly after his inauguration to a third presidential term, Park declared a state of national emergency, and 10 months later (October 1972) he suspended the constitution and dissolved the legislature. A new constitution, which would permit the reelection of the…
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In December 1971, shortly after his inauguration to a third presidential term, Park declared a state of national emergency, and 10 months later (October 1972) he suspended the constitution and dissolved the legislature. A new constitution, which would permit the reelection of the…
Read More