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Former Police Inspector Lee Geun-an Dies at 88, Remembered for Torture During Dictatorship

3/28/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lee Geun-an, a former South Korean police inspector who tortured activists during the military dictatorship, died at Dongbu Hospital in Seoul at age 88.
He coerced false confessions from dissidents using electric shocks and physical torture.
His actions symbolized the oppressive regime of Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in 1979 and suppressed dissent through violence.
Lee's legacy remains a dark reminder of this period in South Korea's history.

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Story summary

Lee Geun-an, a former South Korean police inspector who tortured activists during the military dictatorship, died at Dongbu Hospital in Seoul at age 88.
He coerced false confessions from dissidents using electric shocks and physical torture.
His actions symbolized the oppressive regime of Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in 1979 and suppressed dissent through violence.
Lee's legacy remains a dark reminder of this period in South Korea's history.