Joining the OECD and winning co-hosting rights for the 2002 World Cup raised hopes for Korea’s international standing. Meanwhile, the Gangneung submarine infiltration heightened security fears, and a year-end vote on labor law revisions sparked massive strikes.
The year in Korea
AprThe 15th National Assembly elections were held. [Source]
MayFIFA decided that South Korea and Japan would co-host the 2002 World Cup. [Source]
AugStudents from the Hanchongryeon federation occupied buildings at Yonsei University before police broke up the sit-in. [Source]
SepA North Korean submarine ran aground off Gangneung and armed infiltrators came ashore, prompting a lengthy military manhunt. [Source]
DecSouth Korea formally became a member of the OECD. [Source]
DecThe ruling party rammed through labor and intelligence-agency bills in a surprise session, triggering a general strike. [Source]
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Around the world
JulThe Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta. [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
Trend
Seo Taiji and Boys retire — Their sudden retirement announcement in late January stunned fans. [Source]
Music
H.O.T. debuts — SM Entertainment’s first idol group, which kicked off the first generation of K-pop idols. [Source]
Clon – “Kungtari Shabara” — An upbeat dance hit that won over listeners of all ages. [Source]
TV drama
KBS – “First Love” — Its finale drew a 65.8% rating, the highest ever recorded in Korea. [Source]
Film
Kang Je-gyu – “The Gingko Bed” — A fantasy film with ambitious special effects that became a box-office hit. [Source]
Year League: the best year
Sources
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