South Korea: History
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After World War II, Japanese occupation ends with Soviet troops occupying area in the north and US troops in the South.
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The Republic of Korea is proclaimed.
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The South declares from the North, prompting an invasion from North Korea.
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An armistice is reached, ending the Korean War, which had cost two million lives.
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South Korea is admitted into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
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The United States and South Korea agree on a free-trade deal, however the U.S. Congress ratifies the agreement in 2011.
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The South Korean government announces a $130 billion package aimed at stabilizing market during the global financial crisis.
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South Korea breaks off all trade with the North after naval ship Cheonan was sunk by a North Korean torpedo in March.
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North and South Korea reopen Kaesong joint industrial complex and hotline.
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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.
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Moon Jae-in is elected president in a landslide, and pledges to solve the North Korean crisis by diplomatic means.
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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 NewsBritannica