Korean Division

The division of North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) and South Korea (The Republic of Korea or ROK) stems from the end of WWII. The Allies were victorious over the Axis powers in 1945, after which point the United States of America forced Japan to relinquish its 35 year rule over Korea.

Japan had controlled Korea (both North and South) since the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. 

After World War II, Korea was split between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union sponsored Communist-control of North Korea and the United States sponsored democracy in South Korea. The divide ran along the 38th parallel which is now part of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone separating North Korea (DPRK) and South Korea (ROK), but was occupied by US and Soviet troops at the time. 

In 1950, the United Nations was supporting the Republic of Korea (South Korea) (aided by the United States) and the People’s Republic of China was supporting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) (aided by the Soviet Union).

The 38th Parallel, known as the DMZ has become the most heavily fortified border in the world, 151 miles wide.