Kim Il-Sung (1912–1994) was the President of North Korea; his decision sparked the start of the Korean War. His communist beliefs motivated him to try and overrule South Korea to form one big communist nation. Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union supported North Korea and communism. The Soviet Union had strong feelings for communism; the communist nation was on the rise. Syngman Rhee (1875–1965) became President of South Korea; not having as much strength and power as North Korea, all South Korea could do is defend their territory. Alongside of South Korea, Harry S. Truman, the president of the United States provided backup for the South. Truman was able to utilize the United Nations, (UN) for military support to help fight off the North. Today's leader from North Korea is Kim Jong-un; his belief in communism and weaponry is extremely high. Today, most know Kim Jong-un as one of the most infamous leaders alive. (North Korea: Famine and International …show more content…
The rivalry and conflict has and had been taking place mainly in South Korea. Most wars were fought in the South including the most famous, the Korean War. For example, on January 21, 1968, a unit of thirty-one from North Korea strived to assassinate President Park. Another try was made on Park in 1974, but the assassin killed first lady Yook Young-su (1925–1974) instead. Each assassination attempt took place in the country's capital, Seoul.
How long has it been going on? The grueling rivalry between the North and South has not officially ended. From the Korean War, the two leaders came to a truce and was confirmed on July 27, 1953. In all reality, the Korean War has ended, but it is not officially over. Due to the fact that there was no “end of war” treaty signed, there is no official clarification that says the North and South are at peace. There have been incidents most recently where North Korea had possession of mass destruction weaponry. On January 29, 2002, President George W. Bush officially declared to the public this shocking news. Thus causing a naval war to break out in the Yellow Sea between North and South Korea. There has been an ongoing spiral of tension between the two all the way up to this day, regardless of the treaties