The National Assembly voted to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun, but the Constitutional Court overturned it, rocking the political landscape. The KTX high-speed rail and the five-day workweek began to change daily life, while “Yon-sama” fever swept Japan.
The year in Korea
MarThe National Assembly passed a motion to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun, suspending his powers. [Source]
AprThe KTX high-speed rail service opened, linking Seoul with Busan and Mokpo. [Source]
AprThe 17th National Assembly elections were held. [Source]
MayThe Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment, and Roh Moo-hyun returned to office. [Source]
JulA 40-hour, five-day workweek began to be phased in. [Source]
OctThe Constitutional Court ruled the special act on building a new administrative capital unconstitutional. [Source]
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Around the world
FebFacebook launched in the United States. [Source]
DecThe Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami killed a vast number of people in multiple countries. [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
Film
Kang Je-gyu – “Taegukgi” — A Korean War story of brotherhood that drew more than 10 million viewers. [Source]
“Oldboy” wins the Cannes Grand Prix — Director Park Chan-wook took the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. [Source]
TV drama
SBS – “Lovers in Paris” — A romantic comedy starring Park Shin-yang and Kim Jung-eun that was a huge hit. [Source]
KBS – “I’m Sorry, I Love You” — A melodrama starring So Ji-sub and Im Soo-jung that moved many viewers to tears. [Source]
Trend
“Yon-sama” fever in Japan — After “Winter Sonata” aired in Japan, Bae Yong-joon became a sensation known as “Yon-sama.” [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