On this day in Korea - July 8, 1994: North Korea leader Kim Il-sung dies

North Korean President Kim Il-sung died of heart failure at age 82, only weeks before he was scheduled to hold what would have been the first-ever inter-Korean summit with South Korea’s President Kim Young-sam. His sudden death halted a historic opportunity for dialogue at a critical moment on the Korean Peninsula. In 2000, his son Kim Jong-il met South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in a landmark summit that sparked a wave of reconciliation efforts, including family reunions, economic cooperatio

2026-07-08 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 25, 1950: Korean War breaks out

War broke out after North Korea invaded the South. Three years later, the war ended in a truce — not a peace treaty — leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Backed by the Soviet Union and later aided by China, North Korean forces rapidly captured Seoul and pushed deep into the peninsula during the opening weeks of the conflict. A United Nations coalition led primarily by the United States intervened to support South Korea, turning the war into a major international confrontation in the

2026-06-25 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 22, 2002: S. Korea makes historic World Cup semifinal

World Cup co-host South Korea defeated Spain in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. Massive crowds gathered in streets across Seoul and other cities to celebrate the historic achievement, with supporters dressed in red and waving national flags late into the night. Goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae became a national hero after key saves during the tense shootout. Under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the team’s disciplined play and relentless energy

2026-06-22 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 16, 1998: Chung leads cattle to North

Hyundai Group’s honorary Chairman Chung Ju-yung visited North Korea, taking 500 head of cattle that he donated to the country. Chung became the first South Korean civilian to be allowed to visit the North through the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone. The founder of South Korea’s leading conglomerate died aged 86 in March 2001. The crossing, nicknamed the “Cattle Drive Diplomacy,” opened the door for inter-Korean economic cooperation, including the Kumgangsan tourism project.

2026-06-16 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - June 14, 2000: Historic inter-Korean summit takes place

President Kim Dae-jung took part in the first inter-Korean summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang. They released a five-point joint statement aimed at increasing economic and social exchanges, as well as holding reunions for families separated since the division of the country before the 1950-53 Korean War. The meeting marked an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula after decades of hostility. Images of the two leaders shaking hands drew global attention and raised hopes f

2026-06-14 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - May 28, 2022: Song Kang-ho wins in Cannes with "Broker"

Actor Song Kang-ho won best actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance in the drama “Broker,” becoming the first South Korean male actor to win an acting prize at the prestigious fest. Song played a man involved in an underground adoption network. The film, directed by Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, blended human drama, morality and family into its theme. Experts said Song stood out with his ability to balance warmth, guilt and humor. At the same festival, Park Chan-wook was al

2026-05-28 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - May 18, 1980: Gwangju democratic uprising

The Gwangju Democratization Movement began on May 18, 1980. Tens of thousands of students and other citizens staged demonstrations in Gwangju, protesting against then military junta leader Chun Doo-hwan, who took power in a military coup a year earlier. The uprising is one of the most significant pro-democracy movements in the South Korean history. Students initially protested against the expansion of martial law and Chun’s authoritarian rule. In the military crackdown that followed, around 200

2026-05-18 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - May 4, 2006: KT establishes Dokdo phone line

KT, South Korea's largest fixed-line and broadband service operator, established the first private telephone line on the Dokdo islets in the East Sea. The landline telephone was installed at the home of Kim Seong-do, who resided Dokdo's Seodo. The islets are extremely remote and difficult to wire. Before the line launch, communication there relied on radio or limited government channels. The installation made administrative control and support for the residents easier. KT also went on to its mob

2026-05-04 01:00:00:00

On this day in Korea - April 26, 2021: Youn Yuh-jung wins Oscar for ‘Minari’

Actor Youn Yuh-jung won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in "Minari," becoming the first South Korean to win an acting Oscar. The veteran in the movie played an unconventional grandmother who travels to a farm in Arkansas to help her daughter’s immigrant family. The film received six Oscar nominations. Yoon also became a viral sensation for her witty acceptance speech. She "forgave" all who had mispronounced her name and asked Brad Pitt, who handed her the trophy

2026-04-26 01:00:00:00