The military was the last resort to contain social and political chaos. It would have been very dangerous if the military had faltered . . . . The tr… - Roh Tae-woo

I emphasized that authoritarianism . . . should be removed and that we should renovate both the system and the way of thinking that then prevailed. In my inaugural speech, I asked political leaders and government officials not to turn me into a Don Quixote. I emphasized the need for a completely fresh way of thinking . . . . Although the authority of the president should be preserved, authoritarianism should be eliminated.

I place the organization ahead of individuals. I think two ordinary men are better than one genius. I always choose teamwork rather than individual efforts.

One of the most moving experiences for me was to see realized the people’s desire to elect the president with their own hands and to see the release of politicians and others who were imprisoned because of their conviction.