Today in Korean history

Aug. 8

1953 -- The South Korea-U.S. mutual defense treaty is initialed in Seoul (and
signed in Washington on Oct. 1)

1960 -- The second republic, led by former President Yoon Bo-sun, is launched.

1969 -- Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC-TV) starts operations.

1973 -- Former President Kim Dae-jung, an opposition lawmaker at the time, is
kidnapped by Korean Central Intelligence Agency operatives in a Tokyo hotel amid
suppression of opposition parties by the iron-fisted Park Chung-hee government.
Park had just pushed through his Yushin (Revitalizing Reform) Constitution, which
gave the executive increased powers and the right to run for an unlimited number
of terms in indirect presidential elections.

1975 -- South Korea forges diplomatic ties with Singapore.

1991 -- The United Nations Security Council adopts a resolution recommending the
General Assembly allow both South and North Korea to become U.N. members.

2000 -- Former Hyundai Group leader Chung Ju-yung crosses the inter-Korean border
via the truce village of Panmunjom with a herd of cattle.
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