• After World War II, Japanese occupation ends with Soviet troops occupying area in the north and US troops in the South.

  • The Republic of Korea is proclaimed.
  • The South declares from the North, prompting an invasion from North Korea. 

  • An armistice is reached, ending the Korean War, which had cost two million lives.

  • South Korea is admitted into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

  • The United States and South Korea agree on a free-trade deal, however the U.S. Congress ratifies the agreement in 2011.

  • The South Korean government announces a $130 billion package aimed at stabilizing market during the global financial crisis. 

  • South Korea breaks off all trade with the North after naval ship Cheonan was sunk by a North Korean torpedo in March. 

  • North and South Korea reopen Kaesong joint industrial complex and hotline. 

  • President Park Geun-Hye is embroiled in a political crisis over revelations that she allowed a personal friend, with no government position, to meddle in affairs of state. She is later impeached.

  • Moon Jae-in is elected president in a landslide, and pledges to solve the North Korean crisis by diplomatic means.

  • Kim Jong-un becomes first North Korean leader to enter the South when he meets President Moon Jae-in for talks at the Panmunjom border crossing. They agree to end hostile actions and work towards reducing nuclear arms on the peninsula.

Sources:

BBC News open_in_new
Britannica open_in_new