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Japan launched the Russo-Japanese War with a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Jemulpo, Korea, on February 8, 1904. This conflict arose after Japan's expansionist ambitions met resistance from Russia, leading to heightened tensions.

Japan seized the opportunity, launching attacks on Russian vessels and landing troops in Korea, where they captured Seoul. The Japanese army, numbering around 250,000, had a significant numerical advantage over the approximately 100,000 Russian troops in the Far East. By February 12, diplomatic relations between the Korean Empire and Russia were severed as Japan solidified its control over the region.