The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty, signed in 1910, formalized the annexation of Korea by Japan. This treaty followed years of increasing Japanese influence over Korea, which began with the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905. The annexation aimed to integrate Korea into the Japanese Empire, leading to significant political and cultural changes. The treaty was controversial and faced opposition from many Koreans, who viewed it as an illegal imposition. Despite this, Japan implemented policies to assimilate Korean society, affecting its governance, education, and economy. The annexation lasted until the end of World War II in 1945, when Korea regained its independence.