South Korea's President Urges North Korea to Resume Family Reunions

Post by : Monika

On October 3, 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made a public appeal to North Korea to consider restarting family reunions for people separated by the Korean War.

This plea was made ahead of Chuseok, South Korea’s traditional harvest and family festival, which is a time when families come together to celebrate and honor their ancestors. President Lee emphasized the humanitarian importance of these reunions, saying that the governments of both countries have a responsibility to help families communicate and reconnect, regardless of political tensions.

The issue of separated families has been a painful and emotional topic for decades. Families split between the North and South have had little opportunity to meet or communicate, leaving many people in South Korea and North Korea longing for news about their relatives. Some have been waiting more than 70 years to see family members again.

Background of Family Separation

The Korean War (1950–1953) divided the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel, creating North Korea and South Korea. During the conflict, families were separated when people fled, were evacuated, or were trapped on the wrong side of the frontlines.

Since the armistice was signed in 1953, limited contact has been allowed between some families through organized reunions, but these events have been infrequent and heavily controlled.

The most recent official reunions took place in August 2018, with a small number of families able to meet under strict supervision. However, political tensions and worsening inter-Korean relations led to a halt in the reunions after that period. Since then, the hopes of many separated families have remained unfulfilled.

According to South Korea’s Unification Ministry, there are currently about 36,000 South Koreans who have requested to reunite with family members in North Korea. Most of these applicants are elderly, and some have lost contact with their relatives for decades. Many of these families are running out of time due to age and health issues.

Recent Developments

In February 2025, reports indicated that North Korea had dismantled a facility previously used for family reunions. This step was viewed by South Korea and international observers as a negative signal, showing that inter-Korean relations remained tense. The closure of the facility made it clear that opportunities for in-person reunions were not forthcoming anytime soon.

The issue has received attention not just from South Korea, but also internationally. Humanitarian organizations and observers stress that family reunions are not political events, but rather a matter of human rights and dignity. Reuniting families separated by war is considered a moral and emotional necessity, especially for elderly individuals who may not have much time left.

President Lee’s Appeal

During his visit to Baengnyeong Island, a South Korean island near the North Korean border, President Lee spoke about the emotional and humanitarian significance of family reunions. He highlighted that these reunions allow separated families to exchange news, letters, and memories, even if only for a short period.

President Lee stated, “It is a political responsibility for the two Koreas to allow the split families to communicate with each other and exchange letters from a humanitarian perspective.” His statement made it clear that he believes both governments should prioritize human needs over political differences.

He also noted that Chuseok is a time for families to gather, and it is especially important for those who have been waiting decades to see their loved ones. President Lee urged North Korea to consider resuming reunions and stressed that the goodwill generated by these events could help reduce tensions between the two Koreas.

The Human Side of the Issue

For many South Koreans, family reunions are deeply personal and emotional events. Stories from previous reunions describe elderly parents meeting children, siblings embracing after decades, and grandparents finally seeing grandchildren they never knew. These reunions often bring a mixture of joy and sorrow, as families reconcile decades of separation with memories of loss.

Many individuals have lost contact completely with their relatives, not knowing whether they are alive. Letters, photos, and oral histories have become precious tools for keeping memories alive. Family reunions allow these connections to be tangibly restored, even if only temporarily.

For younger generations, reunions are also a way to understand family history and heritage. Many South Korean children and grandchildren of separated families have grown up hearing stories of relatives in North Korea but have never met them. The reunions are an opportunity to build personal connections and pass on family traditions.

Challenges to Resuming Reunions

Despite President Lee’s appeal, several challenges remain in restarting family reunions. Political tension between North and South Korea remains high, particularly after North Korea’s missile tests and aggressive statements in recent years. These tensions make negotiations for humanitarian events more difficult.

The dismantling of the reunion facility in February 2025 also shows that infrastructure and administrative support for reunions are currently lacking. Organizing family reunions requires coordination on both sides, including security, logistics, and verification of family ties. Without cooperation from North Korea, these reunions cannot happen.

Additionally, many of the individuals awaiting reunions are elderly, and time is of the essence. Some applicants are in their 80s or 90s, and health issues can make travel or participation difficult. Delays in negotiations risk losing the opportunity for these families to reunite before it is too late.

International Perspective

The international community has often encouraged inter-Korean family reunions. Organizations like the United Nations and various humanitarian groups consider family reunions to be humanitarian priorities, not political events. These groups emphasize that separated families should have the right to reconnect and communicate without interference from political agendas.

Previous reunions have received international praise as examples of human-centered diplomacy. While political leaders negotiate complex security and trade issues, family reunions focus on healing emotional wounds and rebuilding trust between nations.

Potential Impact of Reunions

If North Korea agrees to resume reunions, the impact would extend beyond individual families. These events can serve as symbols of reconciliation, showing that the two Koreas can cooperate on humanitarian issues despite broader political differences.

Reunions could also foster people-to-people diplomacy, where citizens experience first-hand the human side of inter-Korean relations. This can build goodwill and understanding, potentially easing tensions in other areas, such as trade, border security, and joint projects.

From a psychological perspective, reunions can help reduce trauma experienced by families separated for decades. Elderly parents and children can finally express emotions, share stories, and find closure. Such experiences are essential for emotional health and maintaining family bonds across generations.

Government Efforts

South Korea has consistently worked to maintain channels of communication with the North. The Unification Ministry is responsible for facilitating family reunions, managing applications, and coordinating with North Korean authorities when possible.

The government also ensures that documentation and verification of family ties are accurate. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures that the reunions are conducted safely and fairly.

President Lee’s statements reinforce the humanitarian mission of these reunions, urging both countries to prioritize human dignity and emotional well-being. His appeal signals a continued commitment to helping families despite political challenges.

Looking Ahead

The path forward will depend on North Korea’s response. If the North agrees, detailed planning and logistical arrangements will be needed. Reunions may involve temporary visits, letter exchanges, or video communication, depending on security and political considerations.

Even if full in-person reunions are not immediately possible, South Korea may explore alternative methods to facilitate communication, such as phone calls, letters, or online connections. These measures can help maintain family bonds while negotiations continue.

President Lee Jae Myung’s appeal to North Korea highlights the emotional and humanitarian importance of family reunions. Decades after the Korean War, many families remain separated, and elderly individuals are running out of time to reconnect with loved ones.

While political challenges and security concerns make these reunions difficult to organize, prioritizing humanitarian needs is essential. These reunions are not only about individual families—they symbolize hope, reconciliation, and shared humanity between North and South Korea.

By urging North Korea to resume family reunions, President Lee emphasizes that family bonds and human connections must come before politics. For separated families, even a brief reunion represents healing, closure, and a chance to reconnect with the past.

As both countries continue to navigate complex political landscapes, family reunions offer a small but meaningful step toward peace, understanding, and cooperation, reminding the world that humanity and compassion should remain at the center of inter-Korean relations.