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Key Political Events in North and South Korea 1945 – 2011

 

Year

South Korea

North Korea

1945

After the surrender of Japan, the Korean peninsula is divided between Soviet and American occupation forces at the 38th parallel.

1945

6 September, Establishment of Peoples Republic of Korea with Yuh Woon-Hyung, but 1946 February, US Army breaks it and Yuh Woon Hyung is murdered.

 

1946

US-USSR Joint-Commission on the formation of a Korean Government reaches an impasse. The Joint-commission is dissolved as the Cold War begins.

1948

15 August. Establishment of the Republic of Korea with Syngman Rhee as President.

 

1948

 

9 Spetember. Establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with Kim Il-sung as Premier.

1950

25 June. After jostling from both sides, the Korean War breaks out

1953

27 July. Korean war Armistice Agreement signed

1960

A student uprising begins the April Revolution which overthrows the autocratic First Republic of South Korea. Syngman Rhee resigns and goes into exile.

 

1961

Military forces, headed by General Park Chung Hee, overthrow the Second Republic of South Korea in what is known as the Military Coup d’état of 16 May

 

1972

President Park Chung Hee declares Emergency Martial Law and changes Constitution in August, which may allow him to become the permanent ruler.

 

1972

Red Cross Societies from North and south hold discussions.

1979

Coup d'état of December TwelfthChun Doo Hwan gets military power

 

1980

Military forces, headed by General Chun Doo Hwan, overthrow the Fourth Republic of South Korea in what is known as the Military Coup d'état of 17 May

 

1980

The Gwangju Uprising. Martial Law is declared throughout the nation. The city of Gwangju becomes a battleground between dissenters and the Armed Forces (18–27 May). Some reports claim over 1200 casualties.

 

1970

A student uprising begins the June Democracy Movement, which overthrows the autocratic Fifth Republic of South Korea. The ruling party of Fifth Republic, Democratic Justice Party, declares democratic elections.

 

1987

Democratic elections usher in the Sixth Republic of South Korea.

 

1994

 

Kim Jong Il takes over control upon the death of his father Kim Il-Sung.

   2000

The first summit between North and South Korean leaders is held with Kim Dae Jung representing the south and Kim Jong Il the north. Kim Dae Jung is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

2007

The second summit between North and South Korean leaders is held, with Roh Moo-hyun representing the south and Kim Jong Il the north.

2011

 

Kim Jong Un takes over control upon death of his father Kim Jong Il

 

 

Sources:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Korean_history

 

North Korea – The struggle against American power.  Beal, Tim. Pluto Press 2005.