One More 1983

During the Renaissance, many artists—including Titian and Raphael—depicted patrons who were essentially cultural usurpers of their time, wielding power through the arts. Their portraits often included symbols of authority and wealth, showcasing how the patron could assert their influence over the artist and the narrative presented in the artwork.

The ancient legacy of usurpation of imperial power exists in almost every country and century, but with different historical reflection.

The Usurpation of Sargon, this ancient Assyrian relief depicts the moment when Sargon II usurped the throne from his predecessor. Although not an oil painting, this work embodies the theme of usurpation in its storytelling, showcasing the violent nature of power disputes. It demonstrates how art has historically served to celebrate those who seize power.

Sargon of Akkad on his victory stele, with inscription "King Sargon" (𒊬𒊒𒄀 𒈗 Šar-ru-gi lugal) : King of the Akkadian Empire

"The Usurpation of Sargon" refers to the historical and mythological stories surrounding Sargon of Akkad, one of the earliest known rulers of the Akkadian Empire in ancient Mesopotamia, around 2334-2279 BCE. Sargon is often celebrated for his military conquests and administration, but aspects of his rise to power are shrouded in legends and tales of usurpation.

Sargon is said to have started as a servant to the king of Kish, before overthrowing him and establishing his own rule. This transition from a humble servant to a powerful king has led to various interpretations and legends. Some accounts depict his rise as a legitimate takeover in the context of ancient power struggles, while others suggest a more treacherous or violent usurpation.

After usurping the king, Sargon expanded his territory through military campaigns, conquering various city-states in Sumer and beyond. He is credited with unifying these regions under a centralized administration, laying the foundation for what is recognized as one of the world's first empires.

Map of the Akkadian Empire (brown) and the directions in which military campaigns were conducted (yellow arrows) : Today part of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Kuwait

Folklore often embellishes Sargon’s story with divine elements. Some legends assert that he was born of a secret union between a goddess and a priest, highlighting a theme of divine favor that legitimizes his authority. This motif is significant in ancient cultures, where rulers were often seen as chosen by the gods.

Sargon’s life and achievements inspired various literary works, including epic tales that echo themes of heroism and divine destiny. Texts like the "Sargon Legend," which narrates his birth, rise to power, and eventual adventures, contribute to the mythologization of his figure.

Sargon’s legacy influenced many later conquerors and empires. He set a precedent for subsequent leaders who sought to legitimize their rule through similar narratives of divine selection or heroic feats.

The impact of Sargon is also evident in the administrative practices he established, which influenced governance in the region for centuries. The use of a uniform system of weights and measures, as well as the introduction of more centralized accounting methods, can be traced back to his reign.

Sargon of Akkad remains a pivotal figure in the study of ancient Mesopotamia. His story embodies the complexities of power dynamics, the interplay of myth and history, and the enduring themes of ambition and legitimacy. The narratives surrounding his rise to power continue to be examined not only by historians but also in literary and cultural studies, as they offer insights into the values and beliefs of ancient societies.

The mention of a "stele" in relation to "The Usurpation of Sargon" likely refers to the use of stelae (plural of stele) as an art form in ancient Mesopotamia to commemorate significant events or convey important messages. Stelae often featured inscriptions, relief carvings, or both and were typically erected in public places to promote the authority of a ruler or honor specific deities.

In ancient times, usurpation did not have a strictly positive or negative connotation regarding governance and political authority. In art, usurpation is often depicted with an air of mystery and beauty. However, in modern history, the term has come to be associated with corruption, dictatorship, and similar concepts.

12.12: The Day is a South Korean film that has grossed over US$97 million globally, with a production budget of approximately $17 million. This achievement makes it the highest-grossing Korean film of 2023 and the fourth-highest-grossing Korean film in history.

The movie's significant success is attributed to its foundation in actual South Korean history, showcasing how the 11th and 12th president, Chun Doo-hwan, managed to usurp the throne to become a dictatorial leader and his Mysterious Organization used to dominate all of Korea.

In South Korea, 1960s to the 1990s, from the National Security Service, the Central Intelligence Service to the Army Headquarters, Chun Doo-hwan and his shadowy organization rose to the top and became a ruler of South Korea step by step. This mysterious organization called "Hanahoe" members included the head of the Audit and Inspection Service, the Head of the National Intelligence Service, the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, lawmakers, the Mayor of Seoul, the head of Army (ground force), the Commander of the Capital Defense Command, and Two Presidents.

A single political party unlikely managed these ministries at the same time and probably must be in power for at least two terms in a row to accomplish this, according to analysis.

On December 26, 1979, the 10th president who had held power in South Korea for 18 years was assassinated by his closest confidant, breaking the political situation and plunging the South Korean government into anarchy. Later, Chun Doo-hwan took the supreme command of the military in a coup when the situation was unstable, suddenly stepped into the heart of power.

Following the incident, Chun was granted the authority to promptly investigate the president's assassination. Although this role might appear similar to a typical criminal police officer. However, this position provided access to all branches of government, allowing him to delve into the personal affairs of every government official and build relationships with them, ultimately enabling his organization to govern and eliminate dissidents. His political career was from an investigator who led his secret organization to control the entire government and became the president of South Korea for two terms.

Chun's administration is famously known for its secret organization, the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), which was used to suppress dissent and consolidate power. Through this agency, Chun maintained strict control over political activities and monitored opposition movements, employing tactics like surveillance and intimidation. They controlled large companies by impersonating government officials, falsifying emails, letters and phone calls.

One of the key elements related to Chun's presidency is his affiliation with the secret organization "Hanahoe." This was a military organization composed of loyal officers and played a significant role in maintaining Chun's power. “Hanahoe” was involved in various activities to suppress opposition and dissent during Chun's rule. This organization was originally established by Chun and his close friends  when he was in the army and some relatives to expand the power within the government. Since Chun did not have a prominent family and academic background, he initially chose to select members from the elite class (university professors, doctors, lawyers, etc.). This secret organization usually investigates and secretly observes a person for 2-3 years before confirming the target and then cultivating them into members of the team.

Of course, 2-3 years observation is not enough to determine whether a person is suitable to be a member of the organization, because Chun requires 100% loyalty. To completely control a person, Chun started with people's daily life and spied over their relatives and friends. This organization tested some people's political stance through a series of social events, protests, marches, riots and other activities to ensure political partners have the same goal. (such as: LGBT, transgender movement in the West) Those who worked with Chun described him as having an extremely sensitive personality, and he would eliminate any member of his organization who displayed disloyalty or inappropriate behavior.

In fact, this organization also expanded and concentrated the reactionary forces in neighboring and foreign countries to achieve mutual support. They specifically focused on young individuals and trained some young members in both domestic and foreign countries, exerting extensive control over the media, education, and the internet to indoctrinate them. Their emphasis is on training and managing young soldiers, particularly those with "untainted" backgrounds or those originating from their hometown. In the context of South Korea's openness to diversified religions, the organization had also carried out varying degrees of religious brainwashing and cursing on the president, members and citizens through various religious and cult methods.

Chun also served in the war and received the Medal of Honor. However, as reported by the war correspondents, he never actually went to the battlefield. Instead, he lived a lavish and promiscuous lifestyle there, indulging in daily spa treatments. The so-called weapons claimed to be seized from the enemy were, in fact, purchased from the enemy nation.

Key Events During Chun Doo-hwan’s Presidency

Gwangju Uprising (1980)

Background: The uprising stemmed from public outrage against Chun’s authoritarian rule and martial law. It was fueled by economic dissatisfaction and longstanding grievances over political oppression.

Events: What began as a protest demanding the lifting of martial law escalated into a broader movement for democracy. The military's response was brutal; soldiers fired upon crowds, and in total, thousands of people were arrested.

Aftermath: The government initially denied the scale of the violence, but reports of the brutality eventually led to national and international outrage.

Political Repression

Opposition Parties: Chun’s regime cracked down hard on opposition parties. The Democratic Korea Party (DKP) and other political groups faced severe restrictions, with many leaders imprisoned or forced into exile.

Media Control: The government enforced strict censorship, and the state media were used to promote government propaganda while silencing dissenting voices.

Expansion of the KCIA’s Role

Operations: The KCIA operated under the guise of national security, using misinformation and manipulated narratives to justify its actions. It infiltrated various organizations and gathered intelligence on opposition groups.

Legacy of Fea: The tactics employed created a culture of fear, discouraging citizens from voicing their dissent openly, thereby stifling civil society movements throughout his term.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chun was tried and convicted for his role in the Gwangju Uprising as well as corruption charges, receiving a death sentence that was later commuted to life imprisonment. Chun remains a polarizing figure in South Korea. Some view him as a necessary stabilizing force during a volatile period, while others see him as a dictator responsible for grave human rights violations. The legacy of his rule still influences current debates about military influence in politics and the need for accountability for past injustices.

The events during Chun’s presidency, particularly the Gwangju Uprising, have been explored in films, literature, and academic studies, shaping national consciousness around issues of democracy and human rights. Significant efforts have been made to document and remember the victims of the Gwangju Uprising, with memorials and annual commemorative events that emphasize the importance of democracy and human rights in contemporary South Korea.

The era of Chun Doo-hwan’s presidency is marked by a narrative of repression juxtaposed with the rise of a resilient pro-democracy movement. His administration's legacy continues to influence South Korea’s political trajectories and societal dynamics. This complex interplay between authoritarian rule and the quest for democracy is essential in understanding today's South Korea.

Chun Doo-hwan subverted South Korea's history of how totalitarian dictatorships usurp the presidency in a "sugar-coated democracy." He serves as a critical chapter in understanding the evolution of South Korean democracy and the continuous struggle for human rights.

Juyeong Woo

Seoul, South Korea

11:30 AM

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Art Resource and Reference

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