Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history



Aug. 1

1943 -- Japan begins conscripting Koreans into the military during its colonial
rule of the Korean Peninsula. Japan's leaders had long hesitated to implement a
conscription system in Korea after the annexation of the country in 1910 due of
fears that Koreans, once armed as part of the Japanese military, could revolt at
any time. But with an expanding war in China and the start of the Pacific War,
Japan had no choice but to introduce the system as it needed to secure sufficient
manpower.

1972 -- At least 25 people are killed when a bus falls off a cliff in Gangwon
Province, northern South Korea.

1976 -- Kimpo International Airport opens. The facility served as the country's
biggest gateway until Incheon International Airport opened in 2001.

1983 -- South Korea and 24 countries agree to full automation of international
calls.

2000 -- A new medical system takes effect in South Korea with the aim of
preventing drug abuse by drawing a clear line between the roles of doctors and
pharmacists. The measure prohibits doctors from selling medicine and pharmacists
from writing prescriptions.

2008 -- The government disapproves a request by disgraced cloning expert Hwang
Woo-suk to resume his work on human stem cell research.
(END)