How much do you know about the Korean War? Often called “The Forgotten War,” it remains one of the least discussed conflicts in American history. Lasting three years, it resulted in over 34,000 American soldiers’ deaths. Overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War, many dark secrets surround this war that most people are unaware of.
10 20% of North Korea’s Population Died During the War
In the early 1950s, the U.S. dropped 635,000 tons of bombs and 32,557 tons of napalm on North Korea, an overwhelming attack aimed at obliterating its industry and cities. The intent was to turn North Korea into an uninhabitable desert.
Authorized by President Harry Truman and executed by General Curtis Le May, the bombings were so devastating that they resulted in the death of 20% of North Korea’s population, according to Le May.
The bombs destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and killed millions of civilians. The U.S. aimed to cut off North Korea’s ability to resupply itself, establish industries, or cultivate farms—an objective nearly achieved. Beyond the physical devastation, the bombings inflicted psychological trauma lasting generations. Today, the North Korean government uses the memory of these attacks to instill fear, maintaining its power for over seven decades. [1]
9 The U.S. Almost Nuked China and North Korea
At the start of the Korean War, General Douglas MacArthur, a highly decorated World War II veteran, commanded the United Nations forces. Known for his aggressive strategies, he considered using atomic bombs to quickly end the war and prevent further Chinese involvement.
The plan involved dropping atomic bombs on China and North Korea to deter communist powers. This could have drastically altered history, potentially preventing China’s rise as a major global power. However, President Truman opposed using atomic weapons, fearing it would set a dangerous precedent and risk a full-scale war with China.
Consequently, Truman relieved MacArthur of his command in April 1951. Despite the controversy surrounding MacArthur’s actions, his aggressive tactics were instrumental in shifting the war’s momentum in favor of the UN forces. [2]
8 Bombing Continued Until There Was Nothing Left to Destroy
One of the most brutal aspects of the Korean War was the extensive bombing campaigns. Entire villages were obliterated, often resulting in civilian casualties. The bombing persisted until virtually nothing remained to be destroyed.
Almost all North Korean buildings were destroyed. Since then, the country has struggled to rebuild its cities. The rebuilding process has been slow and arduous, hindered by scarce resources and international sanctions. [3]
7 South Korea Killed All the Suspected Communists
During the war, South Korea executed suspected communists following an attack by North Korean soldiers crossing the 38th parallel.
Even after the communists retreated due to U.S. intervention, the trauma lingered. During North Korea’s occupation, many collaborated with the communist government or sympathized with communism.
The South Korean government formed a paramilitary group of right-wing extremists who killed as many communists as possible.
This group conducted mass executions, killing around 100,000 people in South Korea suspected of supporting the communist North. Most victims were innocent civilians with no ties to the North Korean regime and who only supported North Korean troops when they invaded South Korea.
The massacre was a pivotal and brutal episode in the Korean War. The U.S. was also implicated in massacres against North Korean civilians. [4]
6 Seoul Was a Communist City for Some Months
Seoul fell under communist control when captured by North Korea and remained so until U.S. forces began bombing North Korean positions. A successful counterattack by United Nations forces recaptured the city months later.
This occupation deeply impacted Seoul’s residents. Without U.S. intervention, the entire peninsula might have fallen under communist control, with Seoul under Pyongyang’s dominion. [5]
5 The Korean War Is Not Over Yet
Despite the 1953 armistice agreement, the Korean War technically continues, ending in a stalemate with no clear victor. The armistice halted the fighting, but a peace treaty remains unsigned. Thus, North and South Korea are still technically at war, and U.S. troops remain in South Korea to deter further aggression from the North.
Although full-scale conflict is unlikely, the Korean peninsula remains tense, with potential for renewed violence from any minor incident. The absence of a peace treaty keeps the Korean War a present reality. [6]
4 Frostbite Was a Big Enemy of the American Troops
Frostbite posed a major threat to soldiers during the Korean War. Winter temperatures in Korea often plummeted below freezing, and soldiers were frequently ill-equipped to handle the extreme cold.
The combination of frigid temperatures and inadequate clothing led to many frostbite cases, particularly among wounded soldiers or those exposed to prolonged outdoor conditions. Some soldiers were evacuated due to frostbite, while others had to undergo amputations to save their lives.
Ultimately, 30,000 soldiers were injured or disabled, with many losing fingers, toes, or entire limbs due to the Korean peninsula’s extreme cold. [7]
3 Countries from All Continents Took Part in the Korean War
The Korean War escalated into a global conflict, involving countries from all continents, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Despite the extensive international support, the conflict remained bloody, and the United Nations lost approximately 40,000 soldiers, in addition to the millions of deaths in North Korea during the three years of war. [8]
2 Korean War Strengthened Kim’s Hold on Power
Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-un, used propaganda to portray himself as a heroic leader defending North Korea from U.S. aggression. He established himself as North Korea’s founding father by leveraging the resentment generated by the war among the population.
The war caused widespread loss and devastation, enabling Kim Il-sung to establish his dynasty.
Additionally, the war provided Kim Il-sung with a pretext to eliminate opponents and solidify his control over the country. [9]
1 A Proxy War Between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
Beyond being a conflict between South and North Korea, the Korean War served as a proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union. This conflict marked the beginning of the decades-long Cold War.
The United States supported South Korea, while the Soviet Union supported North Korea. Both powers were involved, with the Soviet Union providing logistical support and weapons to hinder U.S. actions.
The Soviet Union aimed to keep the United States engaged in wars to prevent another conflict in Europe that would directly threaten the Soviet Union. [10]
In conclusion, the Korean War remains a complex and often misunderstood event in history. From devastating bombing campaigns and internal purges to its role as a proxy conflict and the ongoing technical state of war, these dark facts provide a deeper understanding of its lasting impact.
What are your thoughts on these lesser-known aspects of the Korean War? Leave your comment below!
