Apart from India five other countries also celebrate their Independence Day on August 15. The five are North Korea, South Korea, Congo, Bahrain and Liechtenstein. Here is the brief introduction to the Korean independence struggle.

After independence, Korea was divided into two nations, North Korea and South Korea. Currently, North Korea is also known as Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The North Korean government has a Cabinet and consists of three branches: administrative, legislative, and judicial.

1. Who did they fight against?

Both North and South Korea got freedom from Japan after World War II ended. After independence, North Korea was called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and came under the Soviet Union's influence. 

2. Who was its first Premier?

Pro-Soviet Kim Il-sung was made first premier of North Korea. In 1998, Kim was declared 'eternal President of the Republic'.

Syngman Rhee was elected first President of South Korea. Rhee was the first and the last President of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) from 1919 to 1925 and 1947 to 1948.  He was elected as the President of South Korea in the 1948 presidential election.

3. Which year did they get freedom?

Both North Korea and South Korea got their freedom on August 15, 1945, when Japan surrendered in the World War II, ending the war.

4. What kind of government was formed soon after?

The North Korean government has a Cabinet and consists of three branches: administrative, legislative, and judicial.  However, the government was created three years later on August 15, 1948 and the country was officially named the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

South Korea was controlled by the United States and a pro-US government was established on August 15, 1948. It was known as the Republic of Korea.

5. What is the independence day known as in Korea?

North Korea: The Independence Day is known as Liberation of Fatherland day and is called Chogukhaebangŭi nal in Korean.

South Korea: The South Koreans call Independence Day as the day light returned known as Gwangbokjeol.