Psychological Warfare and Operations During the Korean War

This paper will discuss what psychological operations (PSYOP) and psychological warfare (PSYWAR) are, emphasizing the role they played in the Korean War on soldiers and POWs. It includes two dynamic, engaging personal narratives adding relevance and intrigue to the topic examined. Two types of psychological operations will be identified and discussed, the leaflet and radio broadcast. Three methods of psychological warfare in the form of bacteriological warfare allegations, brainwashing, and sleep deprivation are analyzed and the effects of these methods during wartime. All participating countries during the Korean war either used psychological operations and warfare on their enemies, or had it used on them. The key takeaway was increased understanding that PSYOP and PSYWAR are founded on truthfulness rather than falsehoods. The paper concludes with the results of the war on the players involved and the legacy of psychological operations, encompassing how it applies to our technologically advanced world today.