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Started the annexation of the Korean Empire by Japan.
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After the surrender of Japan, the Korean peninsula is divided between Soviet and American occupation forces at the 38th parallel.
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North Korea's Communist Party introduced. Soviet-backed leadership installed, including Red Army-trained Kim Il-sung.
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea proclaimed that the Soviet Troops withdrawal.
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A war between the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (north).
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North Koreans seized a U.S. Intelligence vessel, claiming it was crossing their water lines, and they held all 83 crew members inprisioned.
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Kim Jong-il dies, his eldest son assumes power in the only hereditary transition in Communist history.
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The U.S. formally agrees to help provide nuclear that are designed to produce less weapons grade plutonium.
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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.
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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.
