Gwangju Uprising: The Rebellion for Democracy in South Korea - Paperback

by Hwang Sok-Yong (Author), Lee Jae-Eui (Author), Jeon Yong-Ho (Author)

The essential account of the South Korean 1980 pro-democracy rebellion

On May 18, 1980, student activists gathered in the South Korean city of Gwangju to protest the coup d'état and the martial law government of General Chun Doo-hwan. The security forces responded with unmitigated violence. Over the next ten days hundreds of students, activists, and citizens were arrested, tortured, and murdered. The events of the uprising shaped over a decade of resistance to the repressive South Korean regime and paved the way for the country's democratization.

This fresh translation by Slin Jung of a text compiled from eyewitness testimonies presents a gripping and comprehensive account of both the events of the uprising and the political situation that preceded and followed the violence of that period. Included is a preface by acclaimed Korean novelist Hwang Sok-yong.

Gwangju Uprising is a vital resource for those interested in East Asian contemporary history and the global struggle for democracy.

Author Biography

Hwang Sok-yong has achieved international acclaim and his status as an imprisoned, exiled, and dissident author has been championed by World PEN. His many novels include At Dusk, Familiar Things, and The Guest.