US Expresses Concern Over Chun Doo-hwan's Power Consolidation but Also Opposes 'Anti-Chun Doo-hwan' Coup

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] After the 12.12 Incident, it has been revealed that the United States, while concerned about the expansion of the Jeon Du-hwan faction, also opposed a 'counter-coup' by anti-Jeon Du-hwan forces. Although it is well known that there was a counter-coup plot at the time, this is the first time that an official U.S. document confirming this has been disclosed.

On the 16th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it recently received 882 pages of declassified U.S. documents related to the May 18 Democratization Movement from the Carter Presidential Library.

Last year, the U.S. declassified 43 documents to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, and conducted additional declassifications twice in May and June this year. This time, 206 newly declassified documents from the Carter Presidential Library were included, and along with 576 pages of previously declassified but not shared documents due to digitization work, a total of 882 pages were delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among these documents, one titled "Intelligence Obtained Regarding Anti-Jeon Du-hwan Movements within the Korean Military," dated February 1, 1980, contains information that anti-Jeon Du-hwan forces existed after the 12.12 Incident and that the U.S. side was aware of this fact.

According to this document, the U.S. Embassy in Korea obtained intelligence about an anti-Jeon Du-hwan conspiracy within the Korean military from General Lee Beom-jun (General Rhee Bomb June). The figure described as General Lee Beom-jun is presumed to be the former Minister of Transportation Lee Beom-jun, who was then the Deputy Minister for Defense Acquisition at the Ministry of National Defense. This is the first time the informant’s identity has been revealed.

Although the U.S. side was aware of the counter-coup plot, it expressed concerns that "division within the military could have greater repercussions than the 12.12 Incident" and sought to maintain the status quo. The embassy reported, "It is important to make it as clear as possible to all parties involved that the U.S. government believes a disastrous situation would occur in Korea if any military faction attempts to reverse the events of December 12 or if another (coup) faction strengthens its position to completely control the government."

According to another document titled "Assessment of Jeon Du-hwan’s Concurrent Appointment as Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency," the embassy strongly expressed concerns to the Blue House about Jeon Du-hwan’s concentration of power and sought to check his authority.

A memorandum (directive) written one week after the May 18 Incident acknowledged signs that Jeon Du-hwan was solidifying his position as a Korean military leader and stated that a situation requiring the U.S. to decide its stance on him would soon arise. However, it also judged that taking no action at the current moment was wise.

This document will be handed over today to the 'May 18 Democratization Movement Archives' under the 'Special Act on the Truth Commission for the May 18 Democratization Movement' and will be made available on the archive’s website. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Our government will continue to consult with the U.S. side to ensure further declassification of U.S. documents related to the May 18 Democratization Movement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.