Korean War Armistice: What happened between two Koreas 70 years ago?
South Korea and North Korea are now two countries — different from one another. The two function differently due to cultural and political differences that have not always existed. For better understanding, let's revisit history — the conflict took place on July 25, 1950, which resulted in the killing of masses, mostly innocents, however, the fight ended on July 27, 1953. But technically the South and North continue to remain at war with the signing of the Korean War Armistice that turned into the world’s longest ceasefire – over seven decades now.
How did the two nations come into existence?After Japan's surrender in 1945, the United States and the former Soviet Union divided the Korean peninsula between them. In the South, Syngman Rhee, educated at Harvard and Princeton, led a U.S.-oriented administration in Seoul. In the North, Moscow appointed Kim Il Sung, who had served in the Soviet army, as the leader. Both sides claimed to be the legitimate government of the whole peninsula, a claim that persists to this day.
North invades SouthIn 1950, the North invaded the South, leading to a UN-supported counter-attack. After fierce battles and changing control of Seoul, the front line stabilized near the current Demilitarized Zone. An armistice was signed in 1953, ending the active fighting, but a final peace settlement was never achieved.
Over 3 million Koreans lose lifeThe Korean War resulted in a devastating human toll, with up to 3 million Koreans, mostly civilians, losing their lives. Families were torn apart, and many South Koreans remain separated from their relatives in the North.
The Longest CeasefireThe armistice created a ceasefire, but a permanent peace agreement has yet to be reached. The presence of US
Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com
