How did Roh Tae-Woo’s 1987 reforms restore democratic rights in South Korea?

In June 1987, widespread popular unrest erupted in South Korea due to the prospect of Roh Tae-Woo succeeding Chun Doo-Hwan under a constitution that practically guaranteed his victory. To address this crisis, Roh announced a historic program of democratic reforms on June 29, 1987, aimed at restoring democratic institutions and civil rights that had been suppressed under military rule.123

These reforms led to the drafting of a new constitution, which was approved by a national referendum in October 1987. The key provisions included:

• Direct Presidential Elections: The restoration of the direct popular election of the president.12
• Term Limits: A reduction in the presidential term from seven years to five years.23

These changes facilitated a peaceful transfer of power in 1988, marking the end of the Fifth Republic and a significant step toward the democratization of South Korean politics.123