What happened during the Gwangju uprising of 1980?

The Gwangju Uprising was a mass protest against the South Korean military government that occurred from May 18 to 27, 1980.1

Following the assassination of president Park Chung-Hee, Chun Doo-Hwan seized power through a military coup and declared martial law. When students at Chonnam National University protested the suppression of academic freedom on May 18, they were met with violence from government forces, which incited broader civilian participation.1

Protesters eventually seized weapons from police stations and armories to defend themselves against thousands of riot police and paratroopers. By May 21, citizens had forced the military to retreat, briefly liberating the city. However, on May 27, the military launched a brutal assault with tanks and helicopters, crushing the uprising in two hours. While official figures reported nearly 200 deaths, citizens estimated the toll was closer to 2,000. The event remains a pivotal, tragic milestone in South Korea's long struggle for democracy.1