It is a safe bet many Koreans do not long for the days of Chun. But, as history and the tales of a high-placed defector insinuate, it is probably equally safe to say South Korea was better off that Chun’s life was spared that tragic October day in Burma.

Edward Chang is employed as a civilian contractor for the government. When not working, he is a freelance writer specializing in military and national security-related issues. He resides in Los Angeles.

This article first appeared in October 2016.

Image: Reuters