The Fall of Yushin: South Korea, 1979-1980

In 1972, South Korean president Park Chung-hee consolidated power

through the Yushin Constitution. After the expulsion of an opposition leader in 1979, protests broke out in Busan and Masan, leading the regime to crack down on civil society and voices of protest. However, on October 26, 1979, President Park was assassinated by Kim Jae-guy, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.

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In the political uncertainty facing the country following the sudden death of the president, power struggles and uprisings ensued as politicians, activists, foreign powers, and military leaders moved to shape the future of Korea. In this historical crisis committee, delegates will relive the events that took place in South Korea from 1979 to 1980, engaging in debate, vying for power, and influencing the events that made the Republic of Korea what it is today.

CHAIR: Misha Perminov