At the end of World War II, Korea is divided into two zones along the 38th parallel; with Soviets in the North and Americans in the South. 1948 - The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is established in the North with Kim Il-sung as its leader. 1950 - Influenced by the Soviet Union and China, North Korea invades South Korea, sparking the Korean War. The war ends in a territorial stalemate. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev delivers the Secret Speech and ushers in a period of de-stalinization; where leaders with personality cults or who model themselves after Stalin are replaced. When Soviet and Chinese factions in the North Korean government try to remove Kim Il-sung from office, he kills his enemies and consolidates his power. North Korea is now independent.