Final answer:
After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union divided Korea between the 38th parallel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States and the Soviet Union divided Korea between the 38th parallel after World War II. Korea was occupied by Japan until the end of the war, and a diplomatic agreement required Japanese forces north of the parallel to surrender to the Soviets, while those south of the parallel surrendered to the Americans. This division along the 38th parallel resulted in the establishment of governments favorable to the political orientations of the United States in the South and the Soviet Union in the North.