What factors made Korea vulnerable and appealing for military occupation? What geopolitical factors in the 20th century led Korea’s invasion and occupation in June 1950?

Factors that made the Invasion of South Korea appealing to the communists were the lack of preparation against military action by the US forces, and the hesitation to commit troops to east Asia due to the fear of Soviet aggression. The U.S. government was aware of a possible threat from North Korea but didn’t believe that military force would be used. Both the KMAG and the soldiers on ground felt as if any actual conflict would occur in Eastern Europe. Because of this, supplies and troops were limited in East Asia. The focus was on handing the country over to the South Koreans, or atleast appearing to. The North Koreans understood that a surprise attack could push the Americans off the peninsula due to how unprepared the south was. A counter attack against North Korea would be difficult if a foothold was lost because of the mountainous terrain on the peninsula. Essentially resulting in an earlier version of the Vietnam conflict. After WWII, the communists knew that the Americans wanted nothing to do with a war of attrition. South Korea was vulnerable to invasion in June of 1950.