How did Park Chung-Hee become president of South Korea in 1963?

Following the military coup of May 16, 1961, Park Chung-Hee led the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction (SCNR) and governed South Korea under martial law.312

In 1962, the SCNR introduced a constitutional amendment establishing a strong presidency, which was approved by referendum. Although Park initially suggested extending military rule, he faced significant domestic and international pressure—particularly from the United States—to return the country to civilian governance. Consequently, in April 1963, Park announced plans for elections.314

In late May 1963, Park was named the presidential candidate for the newly formed Democratic Republican Party (DRP). On October 15, 1963, he participated in the presidential election for the Third Republic, where he narrowly defeated the opposition candidate, Yun Po-Sun, to become president.31546