Korean War 1950-53

The history of Korea is long - dating back to 8,000 BC, the oldest date of pottery that has been found - and complicated. At times three kingdoms, at times two, the area has been invaded by China and Japan numerous times. In 1910, Japan annexed Korea without the approval of the Emperor of Korea, and 35 years of Japanese rule began - but many Koreans fought against Japanese rule, as they had in previous usurpations.

In 1945, at the end of World War II and the surrender of Japan, Korea was divided by the allies into two zones - the Soviet Union taking over the area north of the 38th parallel and the United States taking over south of the 38th parallel. This was supposed to be a temporary arrangement while the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the Republic of China could come to agreement about a unified Korea and its government. Due to the beginning of the Cold War, however, no agreement was reached and while the UN recognized just one Korean government, democratic and based in South Korea (Seoul), those in the north didn't agree and didn't recognize a united democratic Korea.

The Korean Conflict began on June 25th, 1950 when North Korean forces - backed by China and the Soviet Union - moved into South Korea. Kim Il-sung, leader of North Korea - and the grandfather of Korea's current leader, Kim Jong-un - did not recognize two Koreas and saw all of Korea as one entity, which he would lead. The United Nations moved in troops, over 80% of which were American troops, to defend South Korea. Fighting was fierce and Seoul changed hands four times but essentially the war was a stalemate after three years. On 27 July 1953, an armistice was signed. It created the Demilitarized Zone and allowed for the return of prisoners but no peace treaty has ever been signed so North and South Korea are still at war.

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