This week in history

December 28, 1972 – Kim il-Sung became the first president of North Korea

Kim il-Sung became the first and only president of South Korea under an amended constitution. He was elected to the post by the members of the North Korean parliament. The post was abolished in 1998, and he was given the title of Eternal President of Korea.


December 29, 1916 – A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man published

The first novel of Irish writer, James Joyce, the book follows the life of Stephen Dedalus, who many believe was the author's alter ego. It first came out as a series in the literary magazine, The Egoist. In honour of the book, fans of the author celebrate an unofficial holiday, ‘Bloomsday’ on June 16.


December 30, 1947 – Last king of Romania steps down

Michael I was forced to abdicate by the Communist Party of Romania. His first reign over the country was in 1927 as a six-year old, and it lasted only three years until 1930. He was then reinstalled in 1940.


December 31, 1907 – The first annual ball drop at Times Square

The annual tradition of dropping a ball at 11:59 pm to mark the start of the New Year was organised for the first time by Adolph Ochs, the owner of the New York Times.


January 1, 1912 – Republic of China founded

It was succeeded by the People's Republic of China in 1949.


January 2, 1971 – 66 football fans died in the Ibrox disaster

Over 200 people were injured in the crush, which occurred at the end of an association football game between the Glasgow-based clubs, Rangers, and Celtic, at Ibrox Park.


January 3, 1957 – The first electric watch became available

The Hamilton Electric 500 came in “modern” asymmetrical designs to reflect the revolutionary technology.

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