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Period: to
North Korea
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Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910
Started the annexation of the Korean Empire by Japan. -
Korea is Divided
After the surrender of Japan, the Korean peninsula is divided between Soviet and American occupation forces at the 38th parallel. -
Comunism Introduced into North Korea
North Korea's Communist Party introduced. Soviet-backed leadership installed, including Red Army-trained Kim Il-sung. -
Soviet Troops
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea proclaimed that the Soviet Troops withdrawal. -
Korean War
A war between the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (north). -
U.S. Vessel Seized
North Koreans seized a U.S. Intelligence vessel, claiming it was crossing their water lines, and they held all 83 crew members inprisioned. -
Leader Kim Il-sung Dies
Kim Jong-il dies, his eldest son assumes power in the only hereditary transition in Communist history. -
Nuclear Reactors
The U.S. formally agrees to help provide nuclear that are designed to produce less weapons grade plutonium. -
Two American Journalists get 12 years in Prison
American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee are sentenced to 12 years of hard labor after being arrested in March for allegedly entering North Korea illegally. In August, former U.S. President Bill Clinton visits North Korea and secures the release of the journalists. -
Kim Jong-il Dies
Kim Jong-un presides at his funeral, is hailed as "Great Successor" and takes over from his father as chariman of the National Defence Commission. He is expected to take over the ruling party leadership early in 2012.
