What was the key outcome of the Korean War (1950-1953)?

The Korean War resulted in the Korean Peninsula remaining divided at the 38th parallel. This division solidified the existing political and ideological split between North Korea, which emerged as a communist state, and South Korea, which developed into a separate democratic government. Although the war ended with an armistice in 1953 rather than a formal peace treaty, the boundary established prior to the conflict, the 38th parallel, remained the dividing line. This outcome left both North and South Korea in a state of ongoing tension and rivalry, with the two nations maintaining separate governments and systems despite significant global attention and influence.

The other options suggest outcomes that did not occur. The unification of Korea under a democratic government did not happen, as both countries continued to develop along their respective political ideologies after the war. Similarly, the assertion that a communist government was established in South Korea is false; South Korea developed as a democratic state. Finally, the statement regarding the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Korea is misleading as well; although some foreign troops were involved, particularly U.S. troops in South Korea, the presence of foreign military forces in the region persisted after the war, especially in South Korea.