Lee Hee-seong, Martial Law Commander During 5·18, Dies... One of Five Key Figures in the New Military Regime

Only Jeon Ho-yong Remains as Subject of 5·18 Truth Investigation Committee Inquiry

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] It was belatedly revealed that Lee Hee-seong, who was the martial law commander during the May 18 Democratic Movement in 1980, passed away at the age of 98.

According to the May 18 Democratic Movement Truth Investigation Committee on the 10th, Lee passed away on the 6th.

Lee was one of the five key figures of the new military regime, including Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Jeong Ho-yong, and Hwang Young-si, who led the December 12 military coup and were identified as responsible for the May 18 massacre.

Lee was born in 1924 in Museon-ri, Sang-ri-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. He was a graduate of the 8th class of the Korea Military Academy and served as commander of the 38th Division, commander of the Capital Division, commander of the 1st Corps, deputy chief of staff of the army, and chief of staff of the army.

With Lee’s death, among the five key figures of the new military regime selected as investigation targets by the May 18 Investigation Committee, only Jeong Ho-yong (then Special Forces commander) remains alive.

The May 18 Investigation Committee issued a statement on the day, saying, “The deceased was unable to provide sufficient testimony during the committee’s visit investigation on November 12 last year due to age and health conditions,” and “Although the deceased had opportunities over the past 42 years to reveal the truth and apologize to the victims and the public, he passed away after leaving only the remark ‘It was not all done by me’ during the last investigation, which is deeply regrettable.”

They added, “We mourn the death of former Martial Law Commander Lee Hee-seong and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”

The committee began investigating key figures related to May 18 around June 2020, initially selecting five individuals (Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Lee Hee-seong, Hwang Young-si, Jeong Ho-yong) and sending investigation notification letters and summons. To date, investigations of 12 key figures and related persons have been completed.

The committee plans to continue conducting strict and thorough investigations of 51 key figures and related persons concerning the May 18 truth-finding, exercising the authority and responsibility granted by law.