Korea in 2002

Korea reached the World Cup semifinals on home soil, filling streets nationwide with cheering crowds, and Busan hosted the Asian Games. Candlelight vigils mourned two schoolgirls killed by a U.S. military vehicle, and Roh Moo-hyun won the December presidential election.

The year in Korea

JunSouth Korea’s national team reached the semifinals of the World Cup co-hosted with Japan. [Source]
JunTwo middle-school girls were killed by a U.S. military armored vehicle in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, prompting candlelight vigils. [Source]
JunThe Second Battle of Yeonpyeong broke out near Yeonpyeong Island, and South Korean sailors were killed. [Source]
AugTyphoon Rusa hit Gangwon Province and other regions, causing heavy loss of life and property. [Source]
SepThe Asian Games opened in Busan, with North Korean athletes taking part. [Source]
DecRoh Moo-hyun won the 16th presidential election. [Source]

Around the world

JanEuro banknotes and coins entered circulation. [Source]

Songs, shows & trends

TV drama

KBS – “Winter Sonata” — Starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, it later set off a Korean Wave boom in Japan. [Source]

Trend

Red Devils street cheering — Crowds in red T-shirts packed public squares chanting “Dae-han-min-guk!” [Source]

Music

YB – “Oh Pilseung Korea” — The anthem of the World Cup, heard everywhere throughout the tournament. [Source]
BoA – “Listen to My Heart” — Her first Japanese studio album, a major success in Japan. [Source]

Year League: the best year

Sources

Each [Source] link points to the Wikipedia article for that item. Wikipedia content is available under CC BY-SA. More about this year on Wikipedia

Korea Then

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