Today in Korean history

Dec. 13

1863 -- Emperor Gojong ascends to the throne at the age of 12 to become the 26th
monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. His reign lasted until 1907, but his wife, Empress
Myeongseong, was killed by Japanese assassins in 1895. Japan later annexed the
country and ruled the peninsula for 36 years until Korea's liberation at the end
of World War II.

1990 -- President Roh Tae-woo visits the Soviet Union.

2002 -- U.S. President George W. Bush apologizes to South Korean President Kim
Dae-jung by phone for the deaths of two South Korean schoolgirls run over by a
U.S. military vehicle.
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