Supreme Order of Hibiscus
Encyclopedia
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest decoration awarded by the government of the Republic of Korea
. It can be awarded to the individuals who are serving or have previously served as the Head of State of South Korea and its allies, as well as to his/her spouse.
After their conviction for treason in 1996, the former presidents, Chun Doo-hwan
and Roh Tae-Woo
, were ordered to return the award along with other State decorations that they have awarded to themselves. While Chun agreed to return the awards, he and Roh have yet to actually return them.
Before his inauguration, President Roh Moo-Hyun
decided not to accept the award as is traditional, but to receive it from the incoming president upon his own departure from the office.
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. It can be awarded to the individuals who are serving or have previously served as the Head of State of South Korea and its allies, as well as to his/her spouse.
After their conviction for treason in 1996, the former presidents, Chun Doo-hwan
Chun Doo-hwan
Chun Doo-hwan was a ROK Army general and the President of South Korea from 1980 to 1988. Chun was sentenced to death in 1996 for his heavy-handed response to the Gwangju Democratization Movement, but later pardoned by President Kim Young-sam with the advice of then President-elect Kim Dae-jung,...
and Roh Tae-Woo
Roh Tae-woo
Roh Tae-woo , is a former ROK Army general and politician. He was the 13th president of South Korea .Roh befriended Chun Doo-hwan while in high school in Daegu. In his younger life, Roh was a keen rugby union player....
, were ordered to return the award along with other State decorations that they have awarded to themselves. While Chun agreed to return the awards, he and Roh have yet to actually return them.
Before his inauguration, President Roh Moo-Hyun
Roh Moo-hyun
Roh Moo-hyun GOM GCB was the 16th President of South Korea .Roh's pre-presidential political career was focused on human rights advocacy for student activists in South Korea. His electoral career later expanded to a focus on overcoming regionalism in South Korean politics, culminating in his...
decided not to accept the award as is traditional, but to receive it from the incoming president upon his own departure from the office.