The Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953, involved various parties on both sides. The main participants were:
1. United Nations Command (UNC): Led by the United States, the UNC supported South Korea in its efforts to repel the invasion by North Korea. It consisted of troops from multiple countries, making it an international effort to defend South Korea.
2. Republic of Korea (South Korea): South Korea was the primary target of the North Korean invasion. With the support of the UNC and other countries, South Korea fought to defend its territory and maintain its sovereignty.
3. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea): North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, initiated the war by invading South Korea in an attempt to reunify the Korean Peninsula under communist rule.
4. People's Republic of China: China entered the conflict in support of North Korea, sending troops to aid the North Korean forces. This intervention escalated the scale of the war and prolonged the conflict.
5. Soviet Union: While not directly involved in combat, the Soviet Union provided military aid and support to North Korea, contributing to the conflict's intensity.
The Korean War was a complex geopolitical event that involved various nations and had far-reaching consequences for the Korean Peninsula and global relations. It ended with an armistice agreement in 1953, resulting in a divided Korea along the 38th parallel, with the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea.