It wasn't in WW2 that it was divided, but the Korean War that started in June of 1950 and it was divided to separate the fractions, but a peace treaty was never signed.
USSR
Soviet Union
All areas outside of the Communist countries. South of the 38th Parallel in Korea. South of the 17th Parallel in Vietnam. West of the East/West German line, etc.
From 1954 to 1975, Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel. In April, 1975, North Vietnam troops accepted the surrender of South Vietnam from its president, thereby unifying Vietnam into a single country.
The motivation was to: Scare the Japanese in to surrender quickly, such that there wouldn't be any need for the US military to invade the Japanese home islands (Something which would've been the most bloodiest campaign in the Second World war, that would've killed millions on both sides). Deter the Soviet Union. Show them who is boss. So that the USSR will not be motivated to take a piece of Japan or go south of the 38th parallel in the Korean peninsula or even decide to pick a fight with the US.
The USSR and the US
The USSR and the US
For purposes of accepting the Japanese surrender and providing postwar security in Korea and to temporarily divide Korea into northern and sourthern parts.
USSR
Soviet Union
Twice. First in 1945, when an agreement was drawn up as to how the Japanese should surrender. Vietnam was divided (like Korea) along the 16th Parallel. Japanese troops to the North would surrender to China, and troops to the South would surrender to the United Kingdom. Both countries would send in troops to occupy Vietnam. The British handed the south to the French, and the Chinese made a deal with the French and handed them the north. However, the real division was in 1954 as a result of the Geneva Conference, which was held to discuss how to resolve the war between the French and the communist Viet Minh (led by Ho Chi Minh, who wanted independence). The Viet Minh agreed to withdraw all their forces from south of the 17th Parallel. The French agreed to withrdraw all their forces from north of the line. The Geneva Accords said that elections should be held in 1956 for the unification of Vietnam, but the elections ended up being rigged. Vietnam was split into two separate countries as a result.
The equator is a parallel that passes through more than 30 countries.
Usa and canada
Some countries that lie on the 40th parallel in the southern hemisphere include Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand.
There is no doubt that it is wise to employ critical thinking, rather than uncritically accepting whatever you are told.
No because it is just a circle.
South Korea and North Korea are separated by the 38th parallel, not the 48th parallel. The 38th parallel divides the Korean Peninsula roughly in half.