Japan began to force Korea out of the Manchu Qing Dynasty's traditional sphere of influence into its own in the 1870s. As a result of the Sino-Japanese War (1894-5); the Qing Dynasty had to give up such a position according to the Treaty of Shimonoseki; which was concluded between China and Japan in 1895. That same year; Korean Empress Myeongseong was assassinated by Japanese agents.

In 1897; the Joseon dynasty proclaimed the Korean Empire (1897-1910); and King Gojong became Emperor Gojong. This brief period saw the partially successful modernisation of the military; economy; real property laws; education system; and various industries; influenced by the political encroachment into Korea of Russia; Japan; France; and the United States.

Imperial Japan assumed control over Korea from 1910 until its defeat in 1945 ended World War II. Korea was one state until 1948; when it was split into North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea); and South Korea; officially the Republic of Korea.