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April 12, 1960 - The body of Kim
Ju-yul was discovered in Masan Harbor. Kim - still dressed in his uniform from
Masan Commercial High School - had disappeared in the March 15 clashes.
Authorities claimed that he had drowned, but many Masan residents did not believe
this explanation and forced their way into the hospital where Kim's body was
stored. At the hospital, they discovered that grenade fragments behind his eyes
had actually killed him. In the following days, mass demonstrations broke out
involving as many as 40,000 residents throughout the characteristically
politically left-leaning city. During renewed clashes with police, police
opened fire and killed several protesters. Once again, the US military was
called in to help restore order. At this point, public anger with the
government had grown to new highs and rebellion against the Rhee government
mushroomed around the country. Authorities subsequently declared martial law.
Thus, the events in Masan in 1960 helped
spark the movement against corruption known as the April 19 Movement, which eventually
led to the resignation of President Syngman Rhee and the beginning of the Second Republic.
Get to know more about Masan
