Korea divided at 38th parallel after WWII
August 15th-16th 1945
On August 15th, 1945, Emperor Hirohito broadcasted the surrender of Japan throughout his empire and to the Allies. Subsequent to the surrender of Japan, Korea was divided along the latitude 38° N. This line became known as the 38th parallel. Korea was divided into North and South Korea. North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) became a communist country under the command of Kim Il-sung. South Korea (The Republic of Korea or ROK) was occupied by American forces. The 38th parallel is about 151 miles wide and is part of the DMZ separating North and South Korea. The demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel is currently the most fortified border in the world.
On August 15th of 1945, this boundary was first officially suggested by Harry S. Truman, the United States’ president at the time. Josef V. Stalin, the Russian Marshall did not acquiesce to the boundary line until August 16th, 1945. However, as Japan did not sign the Instrument of Surrender until the 2nd of September, the date of the official division is debated among historians.
The division of Korea caused greater tension between the communist-influenced North Korea and the democratic South Korea.
On August 15th of 1945, this boundary was first officially suggested by Harry S. Truman, the United States’ president at the time. Josef V. Stalin, the Russian Marshall did not acquiesce to the boundary line until August 16th, 1945. However, as Japan did not sign the Instrument of Surrender until the 2nd of September, the date of the official division is debated among historians.
The division of Korea caused greater tension between the communist-influenced North Korea and the democratic South Korea.