Park Chung-hee

Park Chung-hee led a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Chang Myon. Park established the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, suspended the constitution, and began authoritarian rule that lasted 18 years.

Park Chung-hee launched the First Five-Year Economic Development Plan, focusing on export-oriented industrialization. The government directed investment into heavy industries, built infrastructure, and promoted chaebols, transforming South Korea from an agrarian economy into an industrial powerhouse.

Park Chung-hee signed the Treaty on Basic Relations with Japan, normalizing diplomatic ties. Japan provided $800 million in grants and loans, which funded South Korea's infrastructure projects and industrial growth, despite widespread public opposition due to colonial grievances.

Park Chung-hee imposed the Yushin Constitution, which gave him near-dictatorial powers. The constitution allowed the president to serve unlimited terms, appoint one-third of the National Assembly, and rule by emergency decree, effectively ending democratic processes.

Park Chung-hee was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, during a dinner at a safe house. The assassination ended his 18-year rule and plunged South Korea into a period of political turmoil, leading to another military coup.