Following the end of World War II and liberation from Japanese Rule, Korea was split in two by the occupation of Allied and Soviet forces.
In April 1948 a democratic election for National Assembly members was held in Allied-controlled South Korea. The elected assembly members then created a constitution, based on a presidential and unicameral system.
This constitution was formally adopted by President Syngman Rhee on July 17, 1948
On 15 August 1948, the Republic of Korea was established, with Syngman Rhee as the first president. On 9 September 1948, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established under Kim Il-sung.