10 Facts About the Korean War

70 years later, the war just isn’t over yet

South Korean refugee siblings pose in front of a tank, 1950 (Khan Academy)

June 25, 2020, marked the 70th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War. The ideological differences of the Cold War era and the presence of the two superpowers (the United States and USSR) caused the country to split and fight a civil war. The devastation of the war left the Korean Peninsula in ruins, which still affects the people of both Koreas today. In remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the war, here are the 10 facts that you should know about the war.

1. The Different Names of the War

In South Korea, the war is commonly called the Korean War, or the 6.25. war, referring to the commencing date of the North Korean invasion.

In North Korea, the Fatherland Liberation War or the Joseon War is commonly used. The term name Joseon is used to replace Korea, as North Korea prefers Joseon over Korea (Joseon preceded the current two regimes in the Korean Peninsula).

In China, it is often referred to as the War to Resist American Invasion and Aid Korea.

The United States never formally declared war, thus gaining names such as “the forgotten war”.

2. Casualties