SEOUL – Today marks a series of significant events in the history of Korea, spanning political reforms, academic achievements, diplomatic initiatives, and inter-Korean relations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on this day in 1881, a group of Confucian scholars from the southeastern region of the Korean Peninsula presented a petition with 10,000 signatures to the royal throne. They were protesting the opening of trade and commerce with foreign countries, a move they feared would disrupt the Joseon Dynasty's traditional way of life.
In 1895, the Joseon Dynasty witnessed a major reform drive led by Cabinet Minister Kim Hong-jip, under pressure from the Japanese government. The reforms aimed at introducing Japanese social standards and culture in Korea as part of Japan's colonization efforts. However, this move sparked anti-Japanese sentiment among Koreans and ultimately failed to achieve its intended outcomes.
The date also commemorates the first graduation ceremony of Gyeongseong Imperial University, the precursor to Seoul National University, held in 1929. This event marked a significant milestone in the development of higher education in Korea.
In diplomatic history, 1949 saw Chang Myon becoming the first South Korean ambassador to the United States, establishing a pivotal diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
During the Korean War in 1951, South Korean troops made a significant advance north of the 38th Parallel, a momentous event during the conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953.
Medical history was made in 1969 when a team led by Professor Lee Yong-kak at the Catholic University College of Medicine in Seoul successfully performed the country's first kidney transplant, marking a significant advancement in Korean medical science.
The year 2002 saw the unveiling of investigation results into the Lee Yong-ho-gate scandal by a special prosecution team. This corruption scandal involved high-level government officials and led to the indictment of several for stock market manipulation and embezzlement.
In more recent history, 2009 witnessed South Korea and the European Union reaching a preliminary agreement on a free trade deal, a significant step towards bolstering economic relations after years of negotiations.
Lastly, a pivotal moment in inter-Korean relations occurred in 2018 when North Korea accepted South Korea's proposal to hold high-level talks, setting the stage for a summit aimed at easing tensions on the peninsula.