[Jeon Du-hwan Death] December 12 Military Coup, No Apology Given

Found Dead at Home in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul on the Morning of the 23rd... Cheong Remains Silent Until Morning

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] Former President Jeon Du-hwan passed away at around 8:40 a.m. on the 23rd at his residence in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. He was 90 years old. Due to his advanced age and chronic illnesses, his health had been poor.

Following the death of former President Roh Tae-woo on the 26th of last month, less than a month later, another key figure of the 12·12 military coup has passed away. The police received a report at around 8:55 a.m. and arrived at the scene, confirming the former president's death at 9:12 a.m. His body is scheduled to be moved to Sinchon Severance Hospital near his residence.

Born on January 23, 1931, in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam, he was a graduate of the 11th class of the Korea Military Academy. He expanded his influence based on the military private organization called ‘Hanahoe.’ He led the 12·12 military coup and ushered in the era of the new military regime.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He was responsible for the violent suppression of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement in 1980. His controversial quotes, such as "Gwangju was a riot" and "My entire property was 290,000 won," sparked much debate. He passed away without any repentance for his historical mistakes or reflection on the May 18 Democratization Movement. After his retirement, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges including rebellion but was released in December 1997 through a special pardon.

The Blue House did not release any official statement regarding his death until the morning of the day. However, it is reported that they are urgently coordinating their response. The Presidential Secretariat has been reviewing funeral arrangements, the issuance of condolence messages, and whether to send presidential wreaths.

A Blue House official stated on the 23rd, "The President of Costa Rica and President Moon Jae-in are currently holding a summit," adding, "The tea time (morning meeting) has been postponed to 2 p.m., so nothing can be decided before then."