Who was the occupying force in North Korea after World War II?

• A. United States
• B. China
• C. Soviet Union
• D. Japan

Answer: (C)

After World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided into two occupation zones along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union was tasked with administering the northern part of Korea. This arrangement occurred following Japan's defeat, which had occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945.

The presence of the Soviet Union in North Korea significantly influenced the political landscape of the region, leading to the establishment of a communist regime under Kim Il-sung. The Soviet Union provided military and financial support to this new government, solidifying its control over North Korea.

In contrast, the United States governed the southern part of Korea, with different political ideologies and systems developing in each zone. Consequently, the division of Korea laid the groundwork for the future conflict between North and South Korea, further entrenching the geopolitical rivalry of the Cold War. The involvement of China occurred later, during the Korean War, while Japan was no longer an occupying force after its defeat in WWII.