Dec. 19, 2002: Human rights lawyer Roh Moo-hyun narrowly wins

Dec. 19, 2002: Human rights lawyer Roh Moo-hyun narrowly wins presidential election. Supreme Court orders recount of 11 million votes; no errors found.

Feb. 25, 2003: Roh takes office for five-year term, replacing Kim Dae-jung, who leaves in disgrace after disclosing his government helped funnel illegal funds to North Korea before the landmark North-South summit in 2000.

May 2003: Roh visits the United States for the first time, meets U.S. President George W. Bush.

May 27, 2003: Roh denies allegations he hid illegal assets under the name of his brother.

Oct. 10, 2003: Roh proposes a December referendum to gauge public trust in him amid allegations that several close aides received shady money from businessmen; offers to resign if he fares poorly in vote.

Dec. 4, 2003: Parliament overrides Roh's veto of a bill to appoint independent counsel to investigate corruption allegations against three former aides.

March 4, 2004: National Election Commission says Roh violated election laws by making comments that could unfairly influence April parliamentary vote.

March 9, 2004: Two main opposition parties submit the country's first ever presidential impeachment motion against Roh.

March 11, 2004: Roh apologizes for corruption scandals.

March 12, 2004: Parliament impeaches Roh.

March 30, 2004: Constitutional Court holds its first public hearing on presidential impeachment trial, but immediately adjourns when Roh refuses to testify in his own defense.

April 15, 2004: Roh wins much-needed mandate in nationwide parliamentary polls. Pro-Roh Uri Party triples its power to 152 seats in the 299-seat National Assembly, a blow to opposition parties backing impeachment.

April 30, 2004: Constitutional Court hears closing arguments in impeachment case.

May 14, 2004: Constitutional Court overturns Roh impeachment, reinstating his executive powers.

Sources: AP