Seoul — February 25 holds a prominent place in South Korean history, marking the anniversaries of several pivotal events and leadership transitions that have shaped the nation's political and social landscape.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on February 25, 1981, Chun Doo-hwan, a former Army general who led a military coup in December 1979, was elected as South Korea's 12th president by an electoral college of his selection. This followed the assassination of Chun's predecessor, Park Chung-hee, by his intelligence chief. Chun's administration lasted until 1988.
On this day in 1988, Roh Tae-woo was inaugurated as the 13th president of South Korea. Roh, a former military colleague of Chun Doo-hwan, played a significant role in the coup following the assassination of then-President Park Chung-hee.
The year 1993 saw Kim Young-sam assuming office as South Korea's 14th president, marking the end of over three decades of military-dominated leadership by becoming the first civilian president in that period.
In 1998, Kim Dae-jung, celebrated for his lifelong dedication to pro-democracy movements and efforts to reconcile with North Korea, was inaugurated as the 15th president. Kim's contributions to peace and democracy were later recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.
Roh Moo-hyun, a human rights lawyer who transitioned into a political role, began his term as South Korea's 16th president on February 25, 2003.
February 25, 2004, marked the commencement of the first round of six-party talks in Beijing, aimed at addressing North Korea's nuclear weapons program. These talks involved South Korea, North Korea, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, and led to a significant agreement with Pyongyang on denuclearization in return for energy and other assistance.
Lee Myung-bak, a former business CEO, was inaugurated as president on February 25, 2008, after securing a decisive victory in the December 2007 presidential election.
Park Geun-hye, daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, made history as South Korea's first female leader when she was inaugurated as the 18th president on February 25, 2013.
Additionally, on February 25, 2014, a series of inter-Korean family reunions concluded at North Korea's Mount Kumgang resort, facilitating emotional meetings between 360 South Koreans and 88 North Koreans.
Lastly, the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games concluded on February 25, 2018, with South Korea achieving a commendable seventh-place finish in the medal tally.