Overview

• June 25 marks 75 years since North Korea’s 1950 invasion of the South triggered a bloody three-year conflict.
• The war resulted in millions of casualties, including 54,246 American soldiers, and ended in 1953 with an armistice but no formal peace treaty.
• The United States and United Nations forces were pivotal in repelling the invasion, with over 3.3 million US service members having served in Korea to deter renewed hostilities.
• Observers argue that South Korea must reinforce its military capabilities and remain prepared for possible reductions in US troop presence.
• Proposals to establish an Asian NATO-like security alliance and resolve internal ideological divisions are gaining traction as bulwarks against future aggression.