General Chun Doo Hwan Whatever counsel the civilian leaders may
have offered Ch'oe, the military's position prevailed. Chun Doo
Hwan, as head of the Defense Security Command, had already
replaced the army chief of staff in December 1979 and had taken
the command of the KCIA in April 1980. Chun's methodical and
speedy actions after May 17 clearly revealed that he had a well-
laid plan. He issued a decree closing down the colleges and
universities and prohibiting all political gatherings. All
publications and broadcasts were to receive prior censorship,
criticism of the incumbent and past presidents was outlawed, and
the manufacture and spreading of rumors were forbidden. Chun's
plan aimed not only at quelling demonstrations but also at
destroying the power base of all existing political figures and
groups. The arrest of Kim Dae Jung and other arch enemies of
Park was to be expected as soon as the military stepped in on
May 17. But the arrest of Kim Chong-p'il and other people who
had been influential under Park