Roh Tae-woo served as the sixth president of South Korea from 1988 to 1993, marking the first transition of power under a directly elected democratic constitution. Rising from a military background as a general, he navigated the complex political landscape of the late 1980s to implement reforms that reshaped the national governance structure.
Early Life and Military Foundation
Born on 4 December 1932 in Daegu, Roh attended Kyeongbuk High School where he established a long-term association with Chun Doo-hwan. He joined the South Korean army during the Korean War, serving in an artillery unit. In 1954, he graduated in the first four-year class of the Korea Military Academy. As a commissioned officer, he served in the Vietnam War in 1968 and later commanded the White Horse Division.
Political Ascent
Roh retired from military service in 1981 to transition into government roles. He held several high-level positions, including Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1982 and Minister of the Interior and Safety from 1982 to 1983. He also chaired the Democratic Justice Party and led the Seoul Olympics Organizing Committee, managing preparations for the 1988 Summer Olympics.
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Take the IQ test →The 1987 Election
Following his designation as the ruling party candidate in 1987, widespread public protests erupted. In response, Roh issued the June 29 Declaration, pledging democratic reforms and the direct election of the president. He subsequently won the December 1987 election with 36.6% of the vote and was inaugurated on 25 February 1988.
Presidential Term and Policy
During his presidency, Roh pursued Nordpolitik, a policy aimed at normalizing relations with the Soviet Union and China. He oversaw the admission of both North and South Korea into the United Nations in 1991. Domestically, he merged the Democratic Justice Party with the Reunification Democratic Party and the New Democratic Republican Party to form the Democratic Liberal Party.
Legal Proceedings and Final Years
Following his departure from the presidency in 1993, Roh faced legal scrutiny for his role in the 1979 coup and the suppression of the Gwangju Uprising, as well as for corruption. In 1996, he was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He died on 26 October 2021 at the Seoul National University Hospital at age 88 and is buried at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 December 1932, Daegu
- Died: 26 October 2021, Seoul National University Hospital
- Military Rank: General
- Presidential Term: 1988-1993
- Religion: Buddhism
- Education: Korea Military Academy
- Burial Site: Donghwa Gyeongmo Park
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 1987 June 29 Declaration?
It was a pledge for democratic reform, most notably the implementation of direct presidential elections.
What was Nordpolitik?
It was a foreign policy initiative pursued by Roh to establish diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union and China.
