Korea (South Korea)

1. Roughly 960 years of unified dynastic rule under the Goryeo (from 936) and Joseon (until 1897) dynasties.
2. 1910–1945: Forced annexation and harsh colonial occupation by the Empire of Japan.
3. 1945–1953: Post-WWII division at the 38th parallel leads to the Korean War, ending in an armistice line.
4. 1960s–1980s: Rapid export-led economic expansion ("Miracle on the Han River") under state-directed developmental regimes.
5. 1987: Popular pro-democracy uprising ends authoritarian rule and establishes the democratic Sixth Republic.
6. 21st Century: High-tech industrial leader and global cultural influencer through the "Korean Wave" (Hallyu).

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