Sparked by the death of student Park Jong-chul under police torture in January, the June Democratic Struggle spread nationwide, and the June 29 Declaration led to a constitutional amendment restoring direct presidential elections. A nationwide wave of labor strikes followed from July to September, and in December Roh Tae-woo won the first direct presidential election in 16 years.
The year in Korea
JanSeoul National University student Park Jong-chul died under torture during police interrogation at the Namyeong-dong anti-communist bureau. [Source]
JunThe June Democratic Struggle, demanding democracy and direct presidential elections, swept the country. [Source]
JunRuling party chairman Roh Tae-woo issued the June 29 Declaration, accepting direct presidential elections. [Source]
OctA constitutional amendment providing for a directly elected president with a single five-year term was approved by referendum. [Source]
NovKorean Air Flight 858 was blown up over the Andaman Sea near Myanmar by a bomb planted by North Korean agents. [Source]
DecRoh Tae-woo won the first direct presidential election in 16 years. [Source]
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Around the world
OctStock markets around the world crashed on “Black Monday.” [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
TV drama
MBC weekend drama “Love and Ambition” — Airing throughout 1987, it drew record-breaking ratings. [Source]
Music
Lee Moon-sae – fourth album — Written entirely by Lee Young-hoon, it featured beloved songs such as “When Love Passes By.” [Source]
Year League: the best year
Sources
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