Following its victory in the First Sino-Japanese War, Japan replaced China as the dominant power in Korea.

After the Russo-Japanese War, Japan's control over Korea was solidified, as Russia was forced to recognize Japan's paramount interests there.

In 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign a treaty that made it a protectorate of Japan, effectively ending its status as an independent nation.

A Japanese Resident-General was installed to control Korea's foreign and domestic policies.

Korean resistance to Japanese control was suppressed, and the Korean Emperor was forced to abdicate.

In 1910, Japan formally annexed Korea with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty.

The annexation marked the beginning of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule over Korea.

Japanese rule was often harsh, focusing on the economic exploitation of Korea for Japan's benefit.

The colonial government implemented policies of cultural assimilation, attempting to suppress Korean language and identity.

Japanese colonial rule is a source of deep and lasting historical grievance between Korea and Japan.