South Korea in the Cold War by Elyssa Marapao

1945

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

Korea is divided at the 38th parallel after WWII. U.S. controls South Korea and USSR controls North Korea.

1950

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, which started a war also known as the Korean War.
U.S. aids South Korea's military and economy to contain communism.
The United Nations, led by the United States, sent troops to help defend South Korea.

1953

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

The Korean War ended in an armistice, but it wasn't peaceful. Korea remained divided.

1961

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

On May 16, 1961, Park Chung-hee was a military general, led a coup and took control of the country. He ends democratic reforms and starts a military dictatorship.

Late 1950s

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

South Korea became dependent on U.S. economic and military aid. President Syngman Rhee ruled under an anti-communist platform.

1960

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

Student-led protests forced President Syngman Rhee to resign because of corruption and election fraud.

1963

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

U.S. and USSR signs the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty which lessened Cold War tensions globally.

1972

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

Park Chung-hee declares a new constitution giving himself full control of the government with no term limits.

1973

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

Kim Dae-jung, a democracy activist, was kidnapped in Tokyo by a South Korean agent. North Korean agents were blamed for the kidnapping. He had been speaking out against the dictatorship.

Late 1970s

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

Oppositions to Park's rule grow. Park was assassinated in 1979 by his chief, which caused political uncertainty.

1980

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 01:41:04 UTC

The Gwangju Uprising begins. Citizens protest for democracy in the city of Gwangju, but the military starts a war, killing hundreds. This event became a symbol of South Korea's fight for freedom.
The South Korean government remained under military control, which was led by Chun Doo-hwan.

1987

elmarapao — 2025-04-30 06:50:48 UTC

The government agrees to hold free presidential elections. This marked the beginning of an actual democracy in South Korea.