Operation Pokpoong  Operation Pokpoong (폭풍 작전; Korean for "Storm") was an offensive operation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) against the Republic of Korea (ROK) that marked the start of the Korean War. The operation began at 04:00 KST on 25 June 1950 along the 38th parallel north without a declaration of war. The operation was planned by the DPRK and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) with the USSR supplying weapons such as tanks and aircraft to its ally. The DPRK was able to take control of the southern capital Seoul within a few days. The original goal for the operation was to occupy the entire Korean Peninsula by 15 August 1950 ― 50 days, with an average 10 km advance each day ― in commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the Gwangbokjeol. However, heavy losses incurred by the DPRK II Corps, which was in charge of the eastern front, at the hands of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) 6th Infantry Division, enabled the ROK to delay the DPRK advance. The United States joined the war on 27 June and the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 84 on 7 July. Joseph Stalin’s influence over Kim Il-Sung dictated the timing of the invasion. Kim Il-Sung and ROK leader Syngman Rhee both wanted to reunify Korea. Kim's objective was to achieve reunification through force. Kim was not able to achieve his goal without Stalin’s assistance. On 30 January 1950, Stalin contacted Ambassador Terenty Shtykov and explained he was ready to help organise an invasion plan. Stalin noted that in order to capture South Korea, Kim Il-Sung would need to be prepared to minimise the risk of a lengthy battle. In the lead up to April 1950, Kim requested to launch an invasion on repeated occasions but Stalin did not allow Kim to launch the invasion until favorable tactical conditions in the Far East emerged. Since March 1950, the Korean People's Army (KPA) started to build up its armament, and redeployed its troops to get ready to attack South Korea. On 16 May officers of the DPRK and USSR began final inspections for the war. Kim Sung-Il met Stalin in Moscow in April 1950 to formulate the invasion plan. Stalin permitted the plan on the condition that the Chinese allies were also in agreement. On 13 May 1950, Kim Il-Sung went to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong.