Made it, Korea
Made it, Korea explores the making of modern South Korea through stories from its modern and contemporary history. Each episode examines key events, figures, and cultural shifts that shaped the country. The podcast is produced by Arirang Radio, South Korea's international broadcasting network.
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80th Anniv. of Liberation - 4. 33 Nat'l Representatives
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate this milestone, we take a closer look at who the 33 national representatives were with Professor John DiMoia.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 4. Geunuhoe
The late 1920s and early 1930s were extremely chaotic for the colonial period. We discuss how Koreans organized themselves in political groups, and some of the specific groups they used to gain political momentum, such as Geunuhoe, with Professor John DiMoia.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 3. Singanhoe
Singanhoe, or the New Trunk Association was a Korean independence activist group founded on February 15, 1927. We discuss the group that unified Korean socialist and nationalist factions with Professor John DiMoia.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - Korean Independence Movement in Hawaii
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Koreans began migrating to Hawaii in small groups. We discuss what these individuals were doing in Hawaii, and their relationship to the Independence movement with Professor John DiMoia.
80th Anniv. of Liberation - National Debt Redemption Movement
The National Debt Redemption Movement was a movement to repay government debt during the Japanese colonial period. We discuss what this movement was and how it seeked to push back against Japanese intervention.
Who is Lee Soo-hyun?
On January 26, 2001, a 26 year old man died in a Japanese train station while trying to save a drunk passenger. The man was Lee Soo-hyun, a South Korean student studying in Japan. We take a look into why his sacrifice still resonates with the Japanese to this day.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 4. Kim Chwa-chin
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate this milestone, we take a closer look at General Kim Chwa-chin, who was a key figure in the victory at the Battle of Cheongsanri, with Professor John P. DiMoia.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 3. Kim Sang-ok
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. To commemorate this milestone, we take a closer look at independence activist Kim Sang-ok, who laid the foundation for armed resistance against Japanese colonial rule.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 2: Lee Bong-chang
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
To commemorate this milestone, we explore Korean independence activists and Korea-Japan relations.
Today, we take a closer look at independence activist Lee Bong-chang.
80th Anniversary of Liberation - 1: Ahn Jung-geun
This year represents the 80th anniversary of Korean independence (1945-2025).
To commemorate this, we will learn about Korea-Japan relations with independence activists.
Daeyeonggak Hotel Fire Incident
We take an in-depth look at the Daeyeonggak Hotel fire, the worst fire accident in South Korean history and the largest hotel fire incident in the world.
S. Korea's History of Impeachment
We compare cases in South Korea’s modern history where impeachment motions against presidents were passed.
Martial Law in Contemporary Korean History
What is martial law, and in what situations can it be used?
We explore the history of this practice in Korea since independence with Professor John P. DiMoia.
2002 Yangju Highway Incident
On June 13, 2002, in Yangju County, Gyeonggi-do Province, an incident occurred in which two middle school girls were crushed to death by a U.S. military armored vehicle stationed in Korea.
We take a closer look at this incident.
The Beginning and Suspension of Mount Kumgang Tourism
In the late 1990s, South Korea, as part of its Sunshine Policy, made numerous proposals to North Korea, including the Mount Kumgang tourism program.
We examine the motivations behind these efforts.
The U.S. Military Dumping of Toxic Chemicals in Korea
Also known as the "McFarland Incident," this case involved the unauthorized dumping of toxic carcinogenic substances into the Han River by the U.S. military stationed at the Yongsan base mortuary. We take a closer look at the U.S. military toxic chemical dumping case in Korea.
N. Korea's 1958 Ulchin-Samcheok Landings
In November 1968, 120 armed North Korean commandos infiltrated the Ulchin and Samcheok regions with the goal of establishing a guerrilla base. This led to the loss of dozens of lives, including civilians, soldiers, and police officers. We take a closer look at this armed infiltration incident.
An Jung-geun’s Assassination of Itō Hirobumi
The Harbin Incident refers to the event on October 26, 1909, when Korean independence activist An Jung-geun assassinated Japan’s Ito Hirobumi at Harbin Station in Russia. We take a closer look at this historical event.
The Assassination of Park Chung Hee
On October 26, 1979, President Park Chung-hee was assassinated, bringing an end to the Yushin Constitution. We take a closer look at the October 26 incident, which became a pivotal turning point in modern South Korean history.
October Yusin
October 17th, 1972, marks the day when then-President Park Chung Hee established the Yusin Constitution, beginning the Fourth Republic of Korea, also known as the Yusin regime. We explore this event in detail.
The Worst Terror Incident in Korean History
The Rangoon bombing, or Aung San terror bombing, was an assassination attempt orchestrated by North Korea against President Chun Doo-hwan, who was on an official visit to Myanmar. We take a closer look at the Rangoon bombing incident in light of its 41st anniversary.
Miners & Nurses Dispatched to Germany in the 1960s-70s
We discuss the stories of over 8,000 workers, including miners and nurses, who were dispatched to Germany during the Park Chung Hee government from the 1960s to the 1970s, and their contributions to the South Korean economy at that time.
The Impact of the Daegu American Cultural Center Explosion
The Daegu American Cultural Center bombing incident occurred in 1983 when an explosive device detonated at the front gate of the American Cultural Center in Daegu, resulting in the death of one person and serious injuries to five others, including police officers.
We explore the social impact of this event.
Significance of the 1988 Seoul Olympics
"The World to Seoul, Seoul to the World!"
We explore the significance of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Games of the 24th Olympiad, held in Seoul, South Korea.
1975 Zainichi Koreans Affiliated with Chongryon Visit S. Korea
In 1975, the Park Chung Hee administration permitted Zainichi Koreans Affiliated with Chongryon to visit South Korea ahead of the Chuseok holiday. We take a look at how they were able to enter their homeland.
The Kantō Massacre
The Kantō Massacre was an incident in which Japanese authorities and civilians spread rumors that Koreans were planning to riot immediately after the Great Kantō Earthquake, and massacred innocent Koreans.
We take a closer look at this incident.
Mystery of the Ukishima Maru Incident
The Ukishima Maru incident involves the Japanese naval transport ship Ukishima Maru, which sank due to an unexplained explosion while carrying Korean conscripted laborers.
We take a look into the details of the incident.
Silmido Incident
The Silmido Incident occurred on August 23rd, 1971, when 24 operatives from a unit established for a covert mission to infiltrate North Korea killed 18 of their fellow soldiers. We will delve into the details of the Silmido Incident, for which the Ministry of National Defense has issued its first apology, 53 years after the event.
Special Figures Who Contributed to Korea's Liberation
August 15th is Gwangbokjeol, or National Liberation Day, which is a day that commemorates Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945 and celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948. In honor of Gwangbokjeol, we look into the foreign individuals who contributed to Korea's independence.
Spy Cases Under the Park Chung Hee Government Part 2
We take a closer look at spy cases that occurred during the Park Chung Hee government, including the attempted kidnapping of a pianist couple.
Spy Cases Under the Park Chung Hee Government
We explore the Dongbaeklim case, which is believed to have been fabricated to cover up election fraud by Park Chung Hee, as well as other spy cases that occurred during the Park Chung Hee government.
The Potsdam Declaration & the Korean Armistice Agreement
We explore the Potsdam Declaration, which ended World War II, and its impact on the subsequent Armistice Agreement between South Korea and North Korea.
Sampoong Department Store Disaster
On June 29, 1995, the Sampoong Department Store collapsed, causing more than 1,000 casualties due to poor construction.
We look into the scars left by the collapse of Sampoong Department Store.
Significance of Lee Han-yeol in Korea's History of Democratization
Lee Han-yeol was a student activist who symbolized the South Korean democracy movement in the 1980s.
Learn about Lee Han-yeol and the history of Korean democracy.
Significance of the July 4th South-North Joint Statement
The July 4th South-North Joint Statement was the first declaration made by representatives of both South Korea and North Korea discussing the issue of reunification since the division of the Korean peninsula. We explore the significance of the July 4th South-North Joint Statement.
The Significance of the Korean War in Modern Korean History
The Korean War began at dawn on June 25, 1950, when North Korean communist forces illegally invaded South Korea and crossed the 38th parallel, which was the military demarcation line between North and South Korea. We explore the significance of the Korean War.
The June 15th North-South Joint Declaration
The June 15th North-South Joint Declaration is the first declaration agreed upon and announced by the leaders of North and South Korea since August 15, 1945. We explore the June 15th North-South Joint Declaration and peace on the Korean Peninsula that followed from it.
The Signifcance & Impact of the Korea-Japan Treaty
The Korea-Japan Treaty, formally known as the "Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea," was an agreement established in 1965 to normalize diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. We examine the signifance of the treaty and the reasons why it continues to be criticized today.
The Meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to commemorate the loyalty of those who gave their lives defending the nation. We take a look into Memorial Day and the maritime skirmishes between South Korea and North Korea in the West Sea of the Korean Peninsula, which are still ongoing.
The Significance of the 2002 Korea Japan World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup, also branded as Korea Japan 2002, was the first World Cup that was held in Asia. It was also the first World Cup broadcasted live in HD in South Korea and the first major international sports event to be co-hosted by two countries. Today, we look into the 2002 FIFA World Cup and its significance.
May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement
The May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement refers to the movement carried out by the residents of Jeollanam-do Province and city of Gwangju, demanding the abolition of martial law and the resignation of Chun Doo-hwan. We explore how the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, which became a turning point for the serious discussion of "national liberation and socialism," was reported by fore
May 16, 1961 Coup
The May 16 Military Coup was a coup d'état carried out by Major General Park Chung Hee and other officers of the South Korean Army on May 16, 1961. It marks the beginning of the military regime led by Park Chung Hee. We explore the reasons and background behind the installation of Park's authoritarian regime.
S. Korea's first democratic election, the May 10 General Election
The May 10 General Election was the first modern democratic election held in South Korea following liberation in 1945. Today, we take a look into the issues, controversies, and key figures related to the May 10 General Election.
Children's Day & Bang Jeong-hwan
May 5th, Children's Day, is a day to celebrate the happiness, dreams, hopes, and dignity of children.
Today, we learn about the meaning and origin of Children's Day which was established by Bang Jeong-hwan{방정환}.
S. Korea's first modern hospital Severance Medical School
Severance Medical School is South Korea's first "modern" facility.
We take a look into the history of Severance Medical School, which started from {제중원}Chejungwon.
President Syngman Rhee & the April 19 Revolution
The April 19 Revolution was a pro-democracy movement led by students on April 19, 1960, which resulted in the resignation of President Syngman Rhee. We take a look at the background of the April 19 Revolution.
History of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea
The establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea played a significant role in Korea's independence and the development of democracy. We explore the significance of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and the remarkable contributions of Baekbeom Kim Gu during this period.
Jeju April 3 Incident - Part 2
The Jeju April 3 Incident refers to an event that took place on Jeju Island from March 1st, 1947, to September 21st, 1954, spanning seven years and seven months. It was a tragic incident where residents of the island were sacrificed during armed conflicts and suppression operations, and is considered one of the largest tragedies in the history of Jeju Island. We look into the significance the Jeju
Jeju April 3 Incident - Part 1
The Jeju April 3 Incident refers to an event that took place on Jeju Island from March 1st, 1947, to September 21st, 1954, spanning seven years and seven months. It was a tragic incident where residents of the island were sacrificed during armed conflicts and suppression operations, and is considered one of the largest tragedies in the history of Jeju Island. We take a look into the background of
The Abduction of Shin Sang-ok and Choi Eun-hee
In 1978, North Korea kidnapped South Korea's renowned film director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Eun-hee. The two managed to escape in 1986 while attending an international film festival in Vienna, Austria. We take a look into this incident, which caused not only repercussions on the Korean Peninsula, but also internationally.
The Demolition of the Japanese Government-General of Korea
The Japanese Government-General of Korea was a building built by Japan to colonize Korea. We look into the history of the building from Korea's liberation in 1945 until its demolition in 1995.
Emperor Gojong's Proclamation of the Taegeukgi
On March 6, 1883, Emperor Gojong proclaimed and promulgated the Taegeukgi as the national flag. We explore the background of the time.
March 1st Movement & the Paris Peace Conference
We take a look into the Paris Peace Conference, which triggered the March 1st Movement.
How did Chun Doo-hwan become president?
We look into how former President Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power through the December 12 military coup, became the leader of South Korea.
Korean Air Lines flight Changlang Hijacking Incident
We discuss the first aircraft hijacking in Korean aviation history that occurred on February 16, 1958.
S. Korea-Kenya Diplomatic Relations
On February 7, 1964, South Korea established diplomatic relations with Kenya. Let's explore the impact this had on South Korea's relations with other countries.
Kim Dae-jung's exile in the U.S. & return to S. Korea
We will explore the circumstances surrounding former President Kim Dae-jung's two-year exile in the United States during the early 1980s, and his eventual return to South Korea.
Kim Dae-jung's false accusation of conspiracy
We look into how the authoritarian regime in 1980 falsley accused Kim Dae-jung on charges of conspiracy and suppressed South Korea's democracy movement.
January 21 Incident - Blue House Raid
We explore the incident that took place on January 21st, 1968, when North Korea launched a raid to attack the Blue House, and infiltrated to as far as the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
Park Jong-chul's Death By Torture
We look into the case of Park Jong-chul, a Seoul National University student who died by torture during a police interrogation on January 14th, 1987.
S. Korea's Gold-collecting Campaign
We take a look into the nationwide movement that spread in South Korea to collect gold when the country faced economic difficulties during the 1997 IMF financial crisis.
Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Impact on the Korean Peninsula
On December 31st, 1991, the Soviet Union dissolved, giving rise to new independent nations.
We'll explore the impact this had on the Korean Peninsula after the end of the Cold War.
The Miracle of Christmas - Hungnam Evacuation
In December 1950, during the peak of the Korean War, over 14,000 refugees in the Hungnam area of North Korea were rescued through cargo ships meant to carry up to 60 people during an operation known as the Hungnam Evacuation, or the Miracle of Christmas.
George E. Ogle & the Korean Democracy Movement
We take a look into the incident where George E. Ogle, an American missionary who was a strong advocate of the Korean democracy movement, was deported from the country by the Park Chung Hee government on December 14th, 1974.
The Movie "12.12: The Day" & the Coup d'état of December 12th
The movie depicting the military uprising on December 12th, 1979, titled "12.12: The Day," or "서울의 봄" in Korean, is causing a sensation at the box office.
We delve into the historical background of the Coup d'état of December 12th that is portrayed in the film.
The Past and Present of S.Korea's National Security Act
On December 1, 1948, just a few months after the founding of the Republic of Korea, the National Security Act was enacted.We look into the Act and controversies surrounding this law.
KAL Bombing Incident
We take a look at the Korean Air Flight (KAL) 858 bombing incident that occurred on November 29th, 1987, and Kim Hyon-hui, a former North Korean agent who was behind the bombing.
Korean Workers' Rights Activist, Jeon Tae-il
November 13th marked the 53rd anniversary of the death of Jeon Tae-il, a symbol of the South Korean labor movement.
We learn about the life Jeon Tae-il and the poor working environment at the time.
North Korean Tunnels and Tactics
The possibility of a second Korean War increased when the first North Korean tunnel was discovered in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in November 1974.Today, we take a look into the situation on the Korean Peninsula at the time of the tunnel's discovery and how North Korean tunnels are recognized and utilized today.
How Did the Involvement of the Chinese Army's Intervention Change the Korean War?
We explore a significant event in the Korean War when the Chinese Communist Party's army became involved.
Park Chung-hee, S. Korea's 5th-9th President: Part 3
We take a look into President Park Chung Hee's assassination on October 26th, 1979, by Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the KCIA and the president's security chief.
Park Chung-hee, S. Korea's 5th-9th President: Part 2
We take a look into the background and history of the Busan-Masan Uprising, often abbreviated as the Bu-Ma Uprising, against President Park Chung Hee's dictatorial Yushin regime in South Korea.
Park Chung-hee, S. Korea's 5th-9th President: Part 1
In three parts, we take a look into the extendend rule of Park Chung-hee, South Korea's longest serving President, who declared the Yushin Constitution on October 17, 1972.
70th Anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty: History of the S. Korea - U.S. Alliance
We introduce the history of the Mutual Defense Treaty between South Korea and the U.S., which solidified military alliance between the two countries, and marks its 70th anniversary this year.
Significance of the Construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway
In light of the nationwide increase in traffic during holidays, we look into the history of South Korea's most important expressway, the Gyeongbu Expressway, which stretches from Geumjeong-gu in Busan to Seocho-gu in Seoul.
History of the Battle of Incheon
Introducing the dramatic story of the Incheon Landing Operation, which turned the tide during the Korean War when the Korean military and UN forces were in a disadvantaged position.
How was the North Korean regime established?
We take a look into what happened on the Korean peninsula on September 9th, 1948, and how Kim Il-sung became leader of North Korea.
Who is General Hong Beom-do?
We introduce the tumultuous life of General Hong Beom-do, born as the son of a poor farming family in late Joseon dynasty Pyongyang, who went from organizing a resistance force to becoming General of the Korean Independence Army after Japan annexed Korea.
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