Hope for Reunion: Bridging the Divide Between Korean War-Torn Families

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on North Korea to consider resuming family reunions, a vital component of humanitarian cooperation between the two nations, severed since the Korean War of 1950-1953. Speaking ahead of the national Chuseok thanksgiving holidays, Lee expressed his hope to reduce hostility and renew efforts for bilateral collaboration.

During a visit to a border island with North Korea, Lee emphasized the political responsibility the two Koreas share in facilitating communication among separated families. "From a humanitarian perspective, we must enable families to communicate and exchange letters," Lee stated, underscoring the personal impact of political decisions.

The last family reunions took place in August 2018 but have since been suspended due to deteriorating relations between the Koreas. In February, North Korea dismantled a key facility used for reunions, marking ongoing tensions. Currently, about 36,000 South Koreans have expressed their desire for reunions, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry.