Minister Urges North Korea: Address Separated Families

Minister of Unification Urges North Korea to Respond to the Issue of Separated Families

The Minister of Unification, Kim Young-ho, is calling on North Korea to provide a response regarding the issue of separated families. During the 40th Memorial Day ceremony held at Imjingak Peace Bell Plaza in Gyeonggi Province on Lunar New Year’s Day, Minister Kim emphasized the importance of not turning a blind eye to the pain of separated families and urged North Korea to show a willingness to resolve the issue.

“The North Korean authorities must now turn to the right path,” stated Minister Kim. He further emphasized that the issue of separated families should be addressed based on humanitarianism and the spirit of ethnic solidarity, without being linked to political or military matters.

According to the Ministry of Unification, out of the 130,000 individuals who applied for “reunion of separated families,” only around 39,000, including 860 individuals over the age of 100, are still alive.

“The government is always open to dialogue, and North Korea must respond sincerely without political considerations,” stated Minister Kim, expressing the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue for the resolution of humanitarian issues, including the separated families.

Restoration of Communication Channels and Criticism of the North Korean Regime

Minister Kim highlighted the restoration and normalization of communication channels as the first step towards resolving humanitarian issues between North and South Korea. In particular, he called for the restoration and normalization of communication channels that were unilaterally blocked by North Korea in April last year.

Furthermore, Minister Kim criticized the North Korean regime for denying the concept of nationality and engaging in actions contrary to the interests of reunification and the Korean people. He expressed deep concerns about the regime’s provocative acts, such as repeated missile launches, which go against the flow of history.

Minister Kim emphasized that the current government remains unwavering in its commitment to the fundamental resolution of issues such as separated families, prisoners of war, defectors, and detainees, without being swayed by any provocations or actions by North Korea.

Memorial Day Ceremony: Symbol of Pain and Reconciliation

The annual Memorial Day ceremony held on Lunar New Year’s Day serves as a symbolic event that represents the pain and reconciliation of displaced people and separated families who are unable to return to their hometowns.

Through the joint memorial ceremony at the Memorial Altar, displaced individuals and separated families express their longing for their hometowns, mourn their losses, and seek to soothe their pain while fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation.

Minister Kim’s call for North Korea’s response to the issue of separated families aligns with the government’s efforts for peace, reconciliation, and reunification. The government remains dedicated to resolving issues through humanitarianism and will continue to strive for the well-being of its citizens.