On December 29, 1980, South Korean President Park Chung-hee faced political opposition after a series of military coups. He was accused of corruption, human rights violations, and his role in the violent suppression of pro-democracy movements. His regime had been in power since 1961, and the publics frustration reached a peak in 1980. His eventual impeachment resulted in a shift toward more democratic reforms in South Korea. The political fallout from his downfall would shape the countrys future political landscape.