April Revolution and the Second Republic (1960–1961)
South Korea’s March 1960 presidential and vice-presidential elections were widely accused of fraud and intimidation. The disputed results intensified public anger at President Syngman Rhee’s long-running, increasingly authoritarian rule. These allegations set the stage for protests that would grow beyond electoral complaints into a broader democratic movement.
In the southeastern port city of Masan, residents and students protested what they saw as election rigging and political repression. Police responded with force, and clashes left many injured and fueled wider distrust of the government. Masan became an early flashpoint that helped spread national resistance to the Rhee administration.
On April 11, 1960, the body of high school student Kim Ju-yul—missing since the March 15 unrest—was found in Masan Harbor. Public suspicion that police were responsible intensified outrage and drew larger crowds into the streets. The incident became a powerful symbol of state violence and helped push protests into a nationwide movement.
University students in Seoul began large demonstrations demanding an end to police brutality and a new, fair election. Attacks on student demonstrators and reports of violence sharpened the sense of crisis. The student movement quickly became a catalyst for broader public participation.
On April 19, tens of thousands of students and many other citizens demonstrated in Seoul against election fraud and authoritarian rule. Police fired on crowds, causing heavy casualties and turning protests into a decisive national confrontation. The violence undermined the government’s legitimacy and accelerated demands for resignations.
Facing sustained nationwide protests and a political break with key supporters, President Syngman Rhee stepped down in late April 1960. His resignation ended the First Republic and opened a transition period. The April Revolution is remembered as a turning point that showed the power of mass civic action in South Korea.
In June 1960, South Korea adopted a new constitutional arrangement that shifted power toward a parliamentary cabinet system. The change aimed to reduce presidential dominance and prevent a return to one-man rule. This legal redesign provided the framework for the Second Republic.
On July 29, 1960, voters elected a new National Assembly under the revised parliamentary system, including an upper and lower house. Election rules were updated to improve transparency, such as expanding the role of observers. These elections were meant to rebuild political legitimacy after the April Revolution.
The legislature elected Yun Bo-seon as president in August 1960, a role designed to be largely symbolic under the new parliamentary system. The arrangement reflected a deliberate choice to limit executive power after the Rhee era. Leadership responsibility shifted mainly to the prime minister and cabinet.
Chang Myon became prime minister in August 1960 and led the cabinet in the Second Republic’s parliamentary system. His government faced high public expectations for democratic reform, accountability, and improved living conditions. However, political factionalism and instability made effective governing difficult.
During late 1960 and early 1961, the Second Republic faced intense political division and a tense security environment. Frequent disputes weakened cabinet authority and made it hard to deliver rapid reforms. These conditions contributed to growing interest within parts of the military in intervening in politics.
On May 16, 1961, military officers led by Park Chung-hee seized power in a coup d’état. The coup effectively ended the Second Republic’s parliamentary experiment and suspended normal political activity. A military-led governing body took control, marking a major shift from civilian rule to military dominance.