History of South Korea
The history of South Korea formally begins with its establishment on August 15, 1948.
Division of Korea
On May 10, 1948 the south held a general election. It took place amid widespread violence and intimidation, as well as a boycott by opponents of Syngman Rhee. On August 15, the "Republic of Korea" ("Daehan Minguk") formally took over power from the U.S. military, with Syngman Rhee as the first president. In the North, the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" ("Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk") was declared on September 9, with Kim Il-sung as prime minister.