SEOUL - Today marks a series of notable events in South Korean history, spanning from a medieval uprising to modern-day scientific and diplomatic milestones, reflecting the country's rich and complex past.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on this day in 1136, the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) faced an uprising led by Myocheong, a Buddhist monk and royal adviser known for his independent policy stance toward China. Advocating for war against the Chinese kingdom and proposing the capital's relocation based on geomantic studies, Myocheong's radical reforms were ultimately halted by conservative officials and aristocrats, leading to his death during the revolt.
In more recent history, the Korea Electric Power Corp. began construction on the seventh and eighth atomic power plants in Yeonggwang, a southwestern maritime region, on this day in 1981. This development marked a significant step in South Korea's efforts to expand its nuclear power infrastructure.
The year 1992 saw the implementation of the South-North Basic Agreement between South and North Korea, a pivotal moment in inter-Korean relations aimed at reconciliation and non-aggression, following high-level meetings in Pyongyang.
In 1999, a veterinary research team led by Professor Hwang Woo-suk at Seoul National University achieved a breakthrough by successfully cloning a cow, the first such success in the country. However, Hwang's subsequent claims regarding human stem cell research in the mid-2000s were later discredited due to data fabrication, casting a shadow over his earlier achievements.
The year 2013 featured South Korea's military commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, with a send-off ceremony for 280 troops deployed to South Sudan. This operation, requested by then U.N. Chief Ban Ki-moon, aimed at assisting the reconstruction of the newly independent African nation.
Highlighting the nation's cultural influence, South Korean actress Kim Min-hee received the best actress award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival in 2017 for her role in "On the Beach at Night Alone," underscoring the global recognition of Korean cinema.
Lastly, in 2020, a South Korean presidential plane successfully evacuated six nationals and a Japanese spouse from the coronavirus-affected Diamond Princess cruise ship, quarantined in Yokohama, Japan. This operation exemplified South Korea's proactive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
These events, spanning centuries, reflect the dynamic history and resilience of South Korea, from its historical conflicts and political milestones to its achievements in science, diplomacy, and culture.