The April Revolution, known in Korean as 4.19 혁명 (Sa-ilgu Hyeokmyeong), is a pivotal moment in South Korean history, often referred to as the April 19 Revolution or the April 19 Movement. This significant series of mass protests unfolded across the nation from April 11 to April 26, 1960, ultimately leading to the downfall and resignation of President Syngman Rhee and the end of the authoritarian First Republic.

The Seeds of Discontent: Syngman Rhee's First Republic

Syngman Rhee had been the first president of South Korea since its establishment in 1948. While initially seen as a national hero for leading the fight for independence and guiding the country through the Korean War, his long tenure became increasingly characterized by autocratic rule. As the 1950s drew to a close, popular discontent simmered due to widespread government corruption, the blatant suppression of political opposition through violence and intimidation, and an uneven distribution of economic development that exacerbated social inequalities. Rhee's desire to cling to power saw him manipulate the constitution and elections, eroding public trust and fueling a growing desire for democratic reform among the populace, especially students and intellectuals.

The Catalyst: The March 1960 Elections and the Masan Tragedy

The immediate spark for the April Revolution was the deeply flawed presidential election held on March 15, 1960. This election was widely denounced as fraudulent, with numerous reports of ballot stuffing, intimidation, and open manipulation designed to secure Rhee's re-election and that of his Liberal Party’s vice-presidential candidate. The egregious nature of the electoral fraud ignited protests, particularly among students and labor groups, who gathered in the southeastern port city of Masan on April 11. Tragically, these initial demonstrations were met with brutal police suppression. Days later, on April 11, the body of Kim Ju-yeol, a 17-year-old local high school student who had participated in the Masan protests, was discovered floating in Masan Bay. His skull was fractured by a tear gas canister, and the gruesome discovery, widely reported and photographed, sent shockwaves across the nation, confirming suspicions of police brutality and government cover-ups. Kim Ju-yeol instantly became a martyr, and his death galvanized public outrage to an unprecedented degree.

A Nation Rises: The Spread of the Movement

The revelation of Kim Ju-yeol's death transformed local grievances into a national outcry. What began in Masan quickly escalated, culminating in massive student-led demonstrations in the capital, Seoul, on April 19, 1960 – a date that lends the revolution one of its common names. Tens of thousands of students, joined by ordinary citizens, took to the streets, demanding Rhee’s resignation and an end to authoritarianism. The government's response was swift and violent; police opened fire on demonstrators, leading to widespread casualties. Over the two weeks of protests nationwide, a total of 186 people lost their lives, and thousands more were injured. Despite the brutal suppression, the protests only intensified, with professors and other segments of society joining the students, effectively paralyzing the capital and demonstrating the complete loss of public confidence in Rhee's government.

The Fall of Rhee and the Dawn of a New Republic

Faced with overwhelming public opposition, a rapidly collapsing government, and increasing international pressure, President Syngman Rhee finally succumbed to the demands. On April 26, 1960, he officially announced his resignation, bringing an end to his 12-year rule and the First Republic. Shortly thereafter, Rhee fled into exile in the United States, where he lived until his death. Following Rhee's departure, a transitional government was established, and Yun Posun was elected president, marking the beginning of the Second Republic of South Korea. While the Second Republic was short-lived, lasting less than a year before being overthrown by a military coup, the April Revolution remains a testament to the power of popular will and a foundational moment in South Korea's struggle for true democracy, demonstrating the people's capacity to challenge and overcome authoritarian rule.

Frequently Asked Questions about the April Revolution

What was the April Revolution?

The April Revolution, also known as the April 19 Revolution or Movement (4.19 혁명), was a series of mass protests in South Korea that occurred from April 11 to 26, 1960, leading to the resignation of President Syngman Rhee and the end of the First Republic.

What were the primary causes of the protests?

The protests were fueled by widespread discontent over President Syngman Rhee's increasingly autocratic rule, pervasive government corruption, violent suppression of political opposition, uneven economic development, and culminated with the outrage over the extensively rigged presidential elections of March 1960.

Who was Kim Ju-yeol, and what was his role?

Kim Ju-yeol was a 17-year-old high school student whose body was found in Masan Bay on April 11, 1960, showing signs of severe police brutality from protests against the rigged elections. His death became a powerful symbol of government violence and a major catalyst, igniting widespread national outrage and intensifying the protests across South Korea.

What was the immediate outcome of the April Revolution?

The immediate outcome was the resignation of President Syngman Rhee on April 26, 1960, who subsequently went into exile in the United States. His departure marked the end of the First Republic and paved the way for the establishment of the Second Republic of South Korea.

What happened after Syngman Rhee's resignation?

Following Rhee's resignation, Yun Posun was elected as the new president, initiating the Second Republic of South Korea. This period was characterized by a brief attempt at more democratic governance, though it was ultimately short-lived, being overthrown by a military coup led by Park Chung-hee in May 1961.