Super Short Summary

The Korean War: A History by Bruce Cumings is a comprehensive historical account of the Korean War, detailing events from the Japanese occupation through the conflict's aftermath and its lasting impact. Cumings uses new evidence, including North Korean documents, to portray it as a civil war exacerbated by global powers and reveals the inhumanity and crimes committed by all sides. The book covers significant events, the divided perspectives of North and South Korea, and the controversial role of the U.S., arguing that the conflict reshaped geopolitical dynamics and still influences modern events.