In handling the Korean DMZ conflict of 1966 – 1969 , Park Chung-hee enabled industrial progress while suppressing the rights of the South Korean people . According to Major Daniel P. Bolger 's analysis , Park enjoyed the emergency powers at his disposal in the time of conflict , which he preserved until 1979 . The military , intelligence and police forces he consolidated in order to defeat the DPRK and flout the invasion of Ulchin-Samcheok were re-calibrated towards suppressing human rights , domestic opponents and restricting freedom of speech and press . The adoption of the Yusin Constitution on November 21 , 1972 , granted President Park full control over South Korea by co-opting the rule of law until his assassination in 1979 at the hands of secret service chief Kim Jae-kyu . Some historians argue that the consolidation of the military established under Park paved the way for continued authoritarianism even after Park 's demise , as evidenced by General Cheon Hu-hwan 's brief repetition of martial law in 1980 . As a consequence , the accumulation of emergency powers during the time of Ulchin-Samcheok delayed the democratization of South Korea in the long term
assassination
Assassination of Park Chung-hee
Uljin–Samcheok Landings