22/12/2019
Revolutions in the 20th Century: April and Gwangju Uprisings (419 and 518 Uprisings)
Part I: Dictatorship and resignation of Syngman Rhee (李承晚)
Syngman Rhee, the only President of the First Republic of (South) Korea, was a fervent anti-communist. He had studied for many years in the West, and spoke fluent English. During his early rule, he was welcomed by the civilians as an independence activist who would lead South Korea to prosperity. However, this was not to be.
Rhee quickly tightened his grip by executing Kim Gu (金九), the opposition leader, and violently suppressing the Jeju Island revolt instigated by Communists. 10% of the inhabitants of Jeju were killed, and many more fled to Japan.
The Korean War displayed the rampant corruption and authoritarianism of the Rhee regime. The names of thousands of "ghost soldiers" who did not exist in real life were printed on the lists of soldiers, allowing officers to steal government funds allotted for their pay. Rhee also had the legislature amend the constitution to allow unlimited terms as well as reduce freedom of speech and the press and prevent opposition members from voting.
The election on March 15th, 1960 had three candidates including Rhee. The opposing two candidates died quickly in short order. This was too much for the public, who saw Rhee as a corrupt authoritarian, to handle.
A month later, the body of a schoolboy who had disappeared in the riots was found in the harbour of Masan. It was found that his skull was hit by a tear gas gr***de that was thrown directly at his eyes. The public was outraged. On the 18th of April, protestors gathered at the president's residence in Seoul, the Blue House, to call for Rhee's resignation. Police killed 180 by firing into the crowd. On the 26th of April, Rhee resigned as President and fled to Hawaii along with his Austrian wife of 60 years. He died at the age of 90 in 1865.
History generally regards Rhee as an opportunist who leeched on US aid to expand his power in South Korea.
Photos: Syngman Rhee and April revolution protestors
