Answer: The armed forces of either side fought a series of brutal battles along the border from 1948 until the start of the civil war on June 25, 1950. The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korean forces invaded South Korea, substantially escalating these hostilities. Families in both Koreas were split apart by the conflict, leaving many war orphans. It also brought about the establishment of long-standing US military installations in South Korea and the need that all male citizens serve in the military. The rise in the number of North Koreans leaving the country is another alarming trend. Families in both Koreas were split apart by the conflict, leaving many war orphans. It also brought about the establishment of long-standing US military installations in South Korea and the need that all male citizens serve in the military. The rise in the number of North Koreans leaving the country is another alarming trend.