Seoul - On December 24, 1915, the colonial government of Japan in Korea issued a special order requiring Korean students to sing the Japanese national anthem in schools. This directive was part of Japan's broader policy of cultural assimilation during its colonial rule over Korea.
1949 Mungyeong Massacre Initially Blamed on Communists Found to Be Army's Doing
According to Yonhap News Agency, Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province - In a tragic turn of events in 1949, over 80 residents of Mungyeong were killed, with the South Korean government initially attributing the massacre to communist guerillas. It was later revealed that the South Korean Army was responsible, having suspected the victims of being communist supporters or collaborators.
National Assembly Extends President Rhee Syng-man's Term in 1958
Seoul - The National Assembly, in a contentious move in 1958, rammed through a proposal aimed at extending the term in office of President Rhee Syng-man. This decision marked a significant moment in South Korea's political history.
1970: National Assembly Approves Trade with Non-Hostile Communist States
Seoul - In 1970, the National Assembly passed a special act allowing trade with "non-hostile" communist states, signaling a shift in South Korea's international trade policies during the Cold War era.
1983 Government Plan to Reduce Number of Shipping Companies
Seoul - In 1983, the South Korean government finalized a plan to reduce the number of shipping companies in the country to 20 through mergers and consolidations. This decision was part of broader economic reforms.
Kim Jong-il Appointed Supreme Commander in 1991
Pyongyang - North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was appointed to serve concurrently as the supreme commander of the Korean People's Army in 1991, further consolidating his power in the country.
Jeju Island Opens First Domestic Traveler Duty-Free Store in 2002
Jeju Island - In 2002, Jeju Island opened South Korea's first duty-free store available to domestic travelers, marking a milestone in the country's retail and tourism industry.
South Korea, Japan Set 2004 Fishing Quotas in Exclusive Economic Zones
Seoul - During their sixth fisheries talks in 2003, South Korea and Japan agreed on fishing quotas for 2004 in each other's exclusive economic zones, fostering cooperation in maritime resources management.
South Korean Troops Return from Haiti Reconstruction Mission in 2012
Seoul - In 2012, South Korean troops returned home after completing a 34-month-long disaster reconstruction mission in earthquake-hit Haiti as part of U.N. peacekeeping operations.
South Korea Permanently Shuts Down Wolsong-1 Nuclear Reactor in 2019
Seoul - In 2019, in line with a new energy policy, South Korea decided to permanently shut down the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor, emphasizing sustainable energy sources and reducing dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels.
Former President Park Geun-hye Granted Special Pardon in 2021
Seoul - In 2021, the South Korean government granted former President Park Geun-hye a special pardon in consideration of her deteriorating health. Park had been serving a 22-year prison sentence since March 2017 after being impeached and removed from office over corruption charges and an influence-peddling scandal.