The South Korean defense ministry has weighed in on a tragedy -- a crime, even -- long thought to have been committed by the South Korean military.<br />It confirmed Wednesday that back in 1980 the military did indeed use helicopters to fire on civilians during the May 18th Gwangju pro-democracy movement.<br /> According to the results of an investigation by a special defense ministry committee, the South Korean military fired on the protesters demonstrating against Chun Do-hwan's military regime... using U.S.-made light helicopters... and with armed fighter jets on standby.<br />There's no hard evidence that the government gave a direct order for troops in the helicopters to attack,... but many witnesses have testified to the shooting.<br /> The committee suggested that the government and the military apologize to the people for what it called an unacceptable crime that could almost be called a massacre. <br />
