The main conflict in the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, was rooted in the ideological struggle between communism and democracy. The war began when North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. This action was seen as an attempt to unify the country under a communist regime. In response, the United Nations, led by the United States, intervened to support South Korea. The conflict ultimately resulted in a stalemate and an armistice was signed, leading to the division of Korea along the 38th parallel, which persists today, encapsulating the ongoing tensions of the Cold War.