Gwangju: The Army announced on Tuesday the revocation of 33 commendations that were awarded to soldiers for their involvement in the 1980 pro-democracy uprising crackdown in Gwangju, a city in southwestern South Korea. This decision is part of ongoing military efforts to address past misconduct by soldiers during the violent suppression of civilians who protested against the military junta led by then Army General Chun Doo-hwan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chun Doo-hwan seized power in a coup on December 12, 1979, and later became president in August 1980. Following a thorough review, the Army identified 33 soldiers who had been awarded commendations for their roles in the Gwangju operations, as stated by Army spokesperson Bae Seok-jin during a press briefing.
Bae highlighted, "The Army decided to revoke the 33 commendations at a merit review committee on April 28." He emphasized the Army's commitment to addressing improperly conferred commendations, acknowledging the historical significance of the May 18 pro-democracy uprising. In parallel, the defense ministry is also working to rescind a state decoration awarded to a late Army general involved in the crackdown.
The late Gen. Park Jun-byung, formerly the commander of the Defense Security Command, received an Order of National Security Merit from Chun in 1982. A report by JTBC cable channel on Monday indicated that the decoration remains due to insufficient legal grounds for revocation. The citation for Park's award mentions only his "contribution to national security," without detailing his specific actions during the crackdown.
Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna commented, "Despite these legal constraints, we fully recognize public concerns over state honors awarded to perpetrators of state violence." She assured that upon establishing grounds for revocation, such as evidence of false or misrepresented achievements, the ministry would consult with relevant entities to proceed with necessary actions.
Park, known for his involvement in Chun's 1979 coup, led the Gwangju crackdown as commander of the Army's 20th Infantry Division. In 1980, Park was also awarded an Order of Military Merit for his role in the operations. This medal was revoked in 2006 under a special law designed to address state responsibilities, including uncovering the truth, holding perpetrators accountable, and restoring victims' honor.