Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) entered the country and spread, dampening activity across society. A DMZ landmine incident sent inter-Korean tensions soaring before high-level talks calmed them, and at year’s end the Korean and Japanese governments announced an agreement on the “comfort women” issue.
The year in Korea
MarThe National Assembly passed the so-called Kim Young-ran Act, banning improper solicitation and gifts to public officials and others. [Source]
MayAfter Korea’s first MERS case was confirmed, infections spread, mainly within hospitals. [Source]
AugLandmines exploded in the DMZ, wounding South Korean soldiers; after a tense standoff, high-level talks produced an agreement. [Source]
NovFormer president Kim Young-sam died and was given a state funeral. [Source]
DecThe South Korean and Japanese governments announced an agreement on the issue of Japanese military “comfort women.” [Source]
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Around the world
NovCoordinated terrorist attacks in Paris killed many people. [Source]
DecThe Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted. [Source]
Songs, shows & trends
TV
MBC – “King of Mask Singer” — Its masked-singer format became a hit and was exported overseas. [Source]
Film
Choi Dong-hoon – “Assassination” — A story of independence fighters under Japanese colonial rule that drew over 10 million viewers. [Source]
Ryoo Seung-wan – “Veteran” — An action film about detectives chasing a chaebol heir, topping 10 million viewers. [Source]
Music
TWICE debuts — Formed through an audition show, the group debuted with members from Korea, Japan and Taiwan. [Source]
TV drama
tvN – “Reply 1988” — A warm story of neighbors in a Seoul alley in 1988 that won viewers’ hearts. [Source]
Year League: the best year
Sources
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