Who Is Chun Doo-hwan? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Chun Doo-hwan was born on January 18, 1931, making him 94 years old in 2025. He served as the President of South Korea from 1979 to 1988 and is a key figure in the country’s recent history. Chun rose to power following a military coup and is known for his controversial governance, which included significant political repression during his rule.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1931 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Gosen, Keishōnan Province, Korea, Empire of Japan |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | South Korea |
| Date of death | 23 November, 2021 |
| Died Place | Seoul, South Korea |
Popularity
Chun Doo-hwan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chun Doo-hwan's physical attributes have not been widely documented, especially in the context of his later years. However, as of 2025, given his age, he likely experiences typical changes associated with advanced age. Measurements related to height and weight are not publicly available anymore, as the focus has shifted from his physicality to his legacy and historical impact.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chun Doo-hwan is married to Lee Soon-ja, who has supported him throughout his political career. They have three children together. Details about any girlfriend or romantic relationships outside his marriage are not widely reported, indicating a focus on family life rather than external relationships.
Around 1936, Chun's family moved to Daegu, where he began attending Horan Elementary School. Chun's father had run-ins with the kempeitai in the past; in the winter of 1939 he murdered a police captain. Their family immediately fled to Jilin, Manchukuo, where they stayed in hiding for two years before returning.
When Chun finally started attending elementary school again, he was two years behind his original classmates.
Net Worth and Salary
Chun Doo-hwan's net worth has been a topic of speculation over the years, particularly due to the controversies surrounding his presidency and the alleged corruption associated with his regime. While exact figures are hard to ascertain, estimates suggest his net worth to be in the millions, primarily accumulated through investments and real estate over the decades.
At this time, Chun decided to live for several years in Baekdamsa, a Buddhist temple in the Gangwon-do province, in order to pay penance for his actions. On 30 December 1990, Chun left Baekdamsa and returned home.
Career, Business and Investments
Chun's military background propelled him into a political career, leading to his presidency. While he was in office, his administration was noted for its economic policies, which contributed to South Korea’s rapid industrialization during the 1980s. Post-presidency, Chun has faced several legal battles and controversies but has also engaged in various ventures, reflecting his ability to navigate the complex landscape of South Korean politics and business.
Chun, then a captain, led a demonstration at the KMA to show support for the May 16 coup in 1961 led by Park Chung Hee. Chun was subsequently made secretary to the commander of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, placing him directly under Park.
Chun was quickly promoted to major in 1962, while continuing to make powerful friends and acquaintances. As a major, Chun was the deputy chief of operations for the Special Warfare Command's battle headquarters, and later worked for the Supreme Council for Reconstruction again as the Chief Civil Affairs Officer.
In 1963, Chun was given a position in the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) as Personnel Director. By 1969, he was senior advisor to the Army Chief of Staff.
Social Network
Chun Doo-hwan remains a divisive figure in South Korea, with a limited presence in contemporary social networks given his controversial past. However, news articles and discussions about him still circulate in media, particularly related to his governmental policies and their impact. His family's social presence may be more active, often engaging through charitable works or public appearances.
In 1970, holding the rank of colonel, Chun became the commander of the 29th Regiment, South Korean 9th Infantry Division, and participated in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Korea in 1971, he was given command of the 1st Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) and later promoted to brigadier general.
In 1976 he worked as the deputy chief of the Presidential Security Service and was promoted to the rank of major general during his time there. In 1978 he became the commanding officer of the 1st Infantry Division.
According to the New York Times, President Park was said to have favored him over other military men of his age and to have treated him much like godson.
Education
Chun Doo-hwan's education includes studies at the Korea Military Academy, where he began his military career. Further details about his educational background indicate a combination of military training and political education, which laid the groundwork for his leadership role.
Chun usurped power after the 1979 assassination of president Park Chung Hee, who was himself a military dictator who had ruled since 1961.
Chun orchestrated the 12 December 1979 military coup, then cemented his military in the 17 May 1980 military coup in which he declared martial law and later set up a concentration camp for "purificatory education". He established the Fifth Republic of Korea on 3 March 1981.
He governed under a constitution somewhat less authoritarian than Park's Fourth Republic, but still held very broad executive power, and used extreme violence to maintain it. During his tenure, South Korea's economy grew at its highest rate ever, achieving the country's first trade surplus in 1986.
After the June Struggle democratization movement of 1987, Chun conceded to allowing the December 1987 presidential election to be free and open. It was won by his close friend and ally Roh Tae-woo, who continued many of Chun's policies during his own rule into the 1990s.
