박정희 (Park Chung-hee) was a South Korean military general and politician who served as the President of South Korea from 1963 until his assassination in 1979. He came to power through a military coup and is known for implementing policies that led to rapid economic growth, often referred to as the Miracle on the Han River. His government focused on industrialization and export-led growth. Despite his economic achievements, 박정희's rule was marked by authoritarianism, including the suppression of political dissent and the imposition of martial law. His legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a key figure in South Korea's modernization, while others criticize his human rights record and lack of democratic governance.