South Korean President Park Chung-hee Assassinated 35 Years Ago

— -- South Korean President Park Chung-hee was assassinated in Seoul 35 years ago today.

Park was killed when he was shot by Kim Jae Kyu, his lifelong friend and the head of Korean Central Intelligence Agency, during a private dinner party. Park's chief security officer was also killed.

At the time of his death, reports conflicted over whether the shooting was accidental or an assassination. During his trial, Kim said he killed Park so that democracy could be restored in South Korea. He and four of his aides were hanged.

Park ruled South Korea for 18 years.