Calls for democracy grew after Park's assassination, but on May 17 martial law was extended nationwide, and the Gwangju Uprising (May 18 Democratic Movement) was put down by martial-law troops with heavy casualties. Chun Doo-hwan was elected president in August, a new constitution was adopted in October, and the economy contracted. Color TV broadcasting began in December.
The year in Korea
MayOn May 17, the new military leadership extended martial law nationwide and arrested leading politicians. [Source]
MayThe Gwangju Uprising (May 18 Democratic Movement) erupted against the martial-law expansion and was crushed by troops, leaving many dead and wounded. [Source]
AugThe Samcheong re-education camps were set up, forcibly detaining large numbers of people in the name of purging 'social evils.' [Source]
AugAfter President Choi Kyu-hah resigned, Chun Doo-hwan was elected the 11th president by the National Conference for Unification. [Source]
OctA new constitution providing for a single seven-year presidential term chosen by an electoral college was approved by referendum. [Source]
NovThe government forcibly merged and closed newspapers and broadcasters in a sweeping media consolidation. [Source]
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Around the world
JulThe U.S., South Korea and many other countries boycotted the Moscow Olympics in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
TV drama
MBC “Country Diaries” — Premiering in October 1980, this rural family drama ran until 2002. [Source]
Music
Cho Yong-pil – “Woman Outside the Window” — The lead track of his first album was a massive hit that began his reign as Korea's top singer. [Source]
Film
Lee Jang-ho – “A Fine, Windy Day” — A realist film about young people who move to Seoul from the countryside. [Source]
TV
KBS “National Singing Contest” — The long-running show, touring the country with amateur singers, began. [Source]
Trend
Color TV broadcasting begins — Color broadcasts began in December, transforming home viewing as well as advertising and fashion. [Source]
Year League: the best year
Sources
Each [Source] link points to the Wikipedia article for that item. Wikipedia content is available under CC BY-SA. More about this year on Wikipedia