Korea

Korean War

Conflict between North and South Korea, starting in 1950, after the North invaded the South.

38th Parallel

The line that divided North and South Korea after World War II and served as a boundary during the Korean War.

DMZ

Demilitarized Zone; the buffer zone between North and South Korea, which is highly militarized despite its name.

Douglas MacArthur

General who led the U.S. and Allied forces into Korea and launched an invasion near Seoul without President Truman's approval.

Armistice

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting; in the case of the Korean War, it was signed in 1953.

Kim Il-Sung

The first Supreme Leader of North Korea, serving from its establishment until his death in 1994.

Kim Jong-Il

The second Supreme Leader of North Korea, who ruled from 1994 until his death in 2011.

Kim Jong-un

The current Supreme Leader of North Korea, who took power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

Invasion of South Korea (1950)

The event where North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, marking the beginning of the Korean War.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization; a military alliance aimed at collective defense, which supported South Korea during the war.