A Brief Timeline
A Soviet-backed group of Communist leaders, including eventual leader Kim Il-Sung, is installed after World War II. The Korean Workers’ Party is created and inaugurated.
The Southern half of the country, occupied by U.S. Troops, declares independence from the North. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea responds by invading the south and sparking the start of the Korean War.
North Korea joins the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This bans the country from producing and nuclear weapons.
North Korea test fires a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. This leads to speculation that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been violated. North Korea threatens to quit the treaty if inspectors are sent to the country.
North Korea officially withdraws from the NPT, sparking a series of talks between six countries to resolve the issue. They admit to having enough nuclear fuel rods to develop six nuclear bombs.
North Korea openly admits that it has produced nuclear weapons, but claims that it has only done so in “self-defense.”
After years of testing, North Korea becomes capable of placing a nuclear warhead on a long range intercontinental guided missile.