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Gwangju Uprising

The Rebellion for Democracy in South Korea
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( 55 ratings, 7 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Gwangju Uprising provides a gripping recount of the tragic and pivotal South Korean student-led protests in May 1980. This historical work delves into the resistance against martial law, the consequent violent crackdown, and its lasting impact on the nation's democratic movement. Through detailed narratives and personal accounts, the book highlights both the bravery and the tragic losses of those involved.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in a detailed and personal account of a significant historical event in South Korea. It provides a compelling exploration of the dramatic and tragic events of May 1980, blending historical analysis with personal narratives to offer a captivating and thorough look at the struggle for democracy and the resilience of ordinary people.

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The essential account of the South Korean 1980 pro-democracy rebellion.

The essential account of the South Korean 1980 pro-democracy rebellion.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On 18th May 1980, student activists gathered in the South Korean city of Gwangju to protest the coup d’état and martial law government of General Chun Doo-hwan. The security forces responded with unmitigated violence, and over the next ten days, hundreds of students, activists, and citizens were arrested, tortured, and murdered. The events of the uprising shaped over a decade of resistance to the repressive South Korean regime and paved the way for the country’s democratisation in the 1990s.

The subject of right-wing conspiracy and controversy in South Korea, the texts of Gwangju Uprising survived in underground circulation and were recently republished. This fresh translation by Slin Jung of the original text, compiled from eye-witness testimonies, forms a gripping and full account of both the events of the uprising and the political situation which preceded and followed the violence of those days.

The edition contains a preface by Hwang Sok-yong, material which situates the uprising in its longer-term local and international context. The resulting volume is an unrivalled account of the movement for democracy and freedom in South Korea in the tumultuous period of the 1980s dictatorship. A vital collection for those interested in East Asian contemporary history and the global struggle for democracy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book provides a detailed account of the ten days in May 1980 when the Gwangju Uprising occurred, preserving the spirit of resistance while serving as both a historical narrative and a handbook for understanding such movements. It's praised for its depth and breadth, going beyond similar works by documenting South Korea's fight for democracy under an oppressive regime. The narrative honours the courage of those who chronicled and participated in the events, offering a valuable lesson on the sacrifices made for freedom.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788737142

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 569g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Hwang Sok-yong is Korea's most renowned contemporary writer, the recipient of many of the country's highest literary prizes and the author of The Prisoner.

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