SEOUL: South Korea has seen significant developments on this day throughout its history, from forging international trade agreements to pivotal political transformations and corporate leadership changes.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in 1883, the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910, concluded a trade agreement with Germany, marking a crucial step in Korea’s engagement with Western powers. The year 1905 witnessed the establishment of the Korean National Red Cross, an organization that has played a vital role in humanitarian efforts in the region.
In a dramatic political shift, 1979 saw Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah assume the role of acting head of state following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee by his intelligence chief, Kim Jae-kyu. The year 1987 was notable for a national referendum that approved a constitutional revision to introduce direct presidential elections, a move that significantly altered the political landscape of South Korea. That same year, South Korea successfu
lly test-fired its Cheonma land-to-air missile, marking a milestone in its defense capabilities.
Moving into the 1990s, former President Roh Tae-woo admitted in 1995 to creating a substantial slush fund during his presidency from 1988 to 1993, totaling 500 billion won (approximately US$427 million). He publicly apologized and expressed his willingness to face an investigation.
The world of music mourned the loss of Shin Hae-chul, a celebrated South Korean rock musician of the 1990s, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack. In 2017, a South Korean fishing boat and its 10-member crew returned home after being detained by North Korea for six days. The North Korean authorities released the vessel on “humanitarian” grounds after it was captured for allegedly intruding into North Korean waters.
Most recently, in 2022, Lee Jae-yong was promoted to chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., the leading unit of South Korea’s largest conglomerate. This appointment filled the leadership void
left after the death of his father, Lee Kun-hee, who previously held the chairmanship.