A Timeline Of U.S.–North Korean Relations

As tensions mount between North Korea and American allies, The Onion looks back at key moments in the relationship between the U.S. and North Korea.

1948

God decides to come to Earth in the form of 36-year-old Korean man Kim Il-sung

1950

The outbreak of the Korean War marks the high point of U.S.–North Korean relations

1973

Henry Blake’s plane is shot down, sending Hawkeye and the 4077th into drunken despair

June 1994

Kim Il-sung meets with one-term U.S. Supreme Leader Jimmy Carter

July 1994

After considering a record number of talented sons, Kim Il-sung ultimately designates Kim Jong-il as his successor

1996

Three million patriotic North Koreans agree to starve to death for the good of their country

2003

North Korea withdraws from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, indicating that the country has developed the capabilities to lie

2008

George W. Bush removes North Korea from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list after officials agree to focus solely on acts of domestic terror

2013

Dennis Rodman severely botches assassination attempt of top North Korean officials

2016

North Korean missile successfully takes out U.S. allied mackerel in Sea of Japan

November 2016

After years of watching North Korea with jealousy, the U.S. electorate decide to try out an erratic strongman with nuclear capabilities for themselves