This article discusses how Korea gained independence from Japan after 35 years of oppressive rule. The Korean independence movement began in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until Japan's defeat in World War II that Korea became independent. However, Korea was divided into two zones – a Soviet zone in the north and an American zone in the south – which led to a civil war and ultimately the division of Korea into two countries – North Korea and South Korea. Despite this division, South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth and is now one of the world's leading economies. Efforts to reunify North and South Korea continue, but progress has been slow due to political tensions and ideological differences.