Korean reunification selected the 38th parallel as a dividing line. Japanese troops to the North of this line were to surrender to the Soviet Union and troops to the South of this line would surrender to the United States. This was not originally intended to result in a long-lasting partition, but Cold War politics resulted in the establishment of two separate governments in the two zones in 1948 and rising tensions prevented cooperation. The desire of many Koreans for a peaceful unification was dashed when the Korean War broke out in 1950. In June 1950, troops from North Korea invaded South Korea.
December Massacres of 1950 in the Korean War December Massacres of 1950 in the Korean War The December Massacres were a series of politically motivated executions carried out by the South Korean government following the recapture of Pyongyang by communist forces in the Korean War. The killings took place mainly in and around Seoul but also in other locations in South Korea. It is believed the South Korean government executed thousands of people though accurate estimates are difficult to come by. The Rhee regime received criticism from the international community and the executions damaged his image. In October 1950, United Nations and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces had