The year began with the deadly Yongsan redevelopment fire, and the deaths of former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Dae-jung drew outpourings of mourning. Swine flu spread, the Naro rocket made its first launch attempt, and the iPhone’s Korean debut at year’s end ushered in the smartphone era.
The year in Korea
JanA fire broke out during a police operation to clear a protest at a Yongsan redevelopment site in Seoul, killing evicted tenants and a police officer. [Source]
MayFormer president Roh Moo-hyun died, and mourners gathered across the country. [Source]
MayNorth Korea conducted its second nuclear test. [Source]
AugFormer president Kim Dae-jung died and was given a state funeral. [Source]
AugNaro-1, Korea’s first space launch vehicle, lifted off but failed to put its satellite into orbit. [Source]
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Around the world
JunThe World Health Organization declared the H1N1 swine flu a global pandemic. [Source]