The 1980s, known as the "80년대" in Korean, was a decade marked by significant cultural and technological changes worldwide. This era saw the rise of pop music icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna, who influenced fashion and youth culture. The introduction of personal computers and the growth of video games transformed entertainment and communication. In South Korea, the 80년대 was a time of political upheaval and democratization. The Gwangju Uprising in 1980 highlighted the struggle for democracy against authoritarian rule. Economic growth also characterized this period, leading to the emergence of major conglomerates like Samsung and Hyundai.