<human>:  What is the history of the conflict between North and South Korea?
<bot>: The conflict between North and South Korea began at the end of World War II in 1945, when the country was divided at the 38th parallel into two occupation zones, with the Soviet Union administering the northern half and the United States controlling the southern half. This separation became permanent when the two sides failed to reach agreement on reunification in 1948. Since then, North Korea has developed into a one-party, socialist state that is under the control of the Kim family, while South Korea has become a democratic and prosperous nation. Despite a pair of historical Inter-Korean Summits in 2000 and 2007, and subsequent dialogue, the two countries remain in a state of tension. Tensions have periodically risen, leading to sporadic outbreaks of violence and formal agreements to end hostilities. In 2018, the two countries met and agreed to work towards peace and reunification.