The Lee Myung-bak administration took office amid shock over the arson destruction of Sungnyemun gate. Mass candlelight protests against a U.S. beef import deal continued for weeks, Mount Kumgang tours were halted after a tourist was shot, and the global financial crisis hit the economy in the second half.
The year in Korea
FebSungnyemun, then designated National Treasure No. 1, was destroyed by arson. [Source]
FebLee Myung-bak was inaugurated as president. [Source]
AprYi So-yeon became the first Korean in space, staying aboard the International Space Station. [Source]
AprThe 18th National Assembly elections were held. [Source]
MayLarge candlelight protests against the U.S. beef import agreement continued for weeks. [Source]
JulA South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier at Mount Kumgang, and the tours were suspended. [Source]
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Around the world
SepU.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers collapsed, deepening the global financial crisis. [Source]
NovBarack Obama was elected the first Black president of the United States. [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
Film
Na Hong-jin – “The Chaser” — A debut thriller that earned both box-office success and critical praise. [Source]
Kim Jee-woon – “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” — A Manchuria-set “kimchi Western” action film that drew wide attention. [Source]
Music
Wonder Girls – “Nobody” — A retro-styled song and dance that became a massive hit. [Source]
TV drama
MBC – “Beethoven Virus” — An orchestra drama that spawned the “Kang Maestro” craze. [Source]
Sports
Olympic baseball gold in Beijing — Korea’s baseball team won gold with a perfect 9–0 record. [Source]
Park Tae-hwan wins Olympic gold — Won the 400m freestyle, Korea’s first-ever Olympic swimming gold. [Source]
Year League: the best year
Sources
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