South Korean President Urges Reunions for Families Torn Apart by Decades-Old Conflict

Korea: Fading Hopes for Families Split by North-South Divide SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 In a poignant appeal to Pyongyang, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged the North Korean government to permit brief reunions of families separated by the Korean War decades ago. The plea, made on Saturday during the third annual memorial day for separated families, fell on deaf ears in Pyongyang, analysts say. The issue of separated families has been a long-standing concern for both nations, with over 70 years having passed since the armistice that divided the peninsula. Despite Lee's call for "dialogue and cooperation," North Korea has shown little willingness to engage in meaningful discussions on the matter. "We must work together to resolve this issue," Lee said in his speech, emphasizing the importance of addressing the plight of separated families. "Unfortunately, inter-Korean relations are currently mired in deep distrust." The 1953 armistice that ended large-scale fighting between North and South Korea and their allies left no permanent peace treaty in place, technically keeping both nations at war to this day. According to estimates, over 130,000 people remain separated from their families due to the conflict. The last reunion meeting took place in North Korea in 2018, with many families expressing frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress on reunions. "The grief of these families is a constant reminder of the need for peace on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said. "We will do our utmost to ensure that peace takes root." Analysts point out that Pyongyang's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue stems from its long-standing distrust of Seoul and Washington, which has led to a stalemate in inter-Korean relations. "North Korea views reunions as a potential security risk," said Dr. Kim Young-soo, a Seoul-based expert on North Korean affairs. "They fear that these meetings could be used as a platform for anti-North Korean propaganda or even espionage." Despite the challenges ahead, Lee remains committed to finding a solution. "We will continue to work tirelessly with our international partners to bring about a lasting peace," he said. As time runs out for divided families, hopes of reunions are fading fast. The current stalemate in inter-Korean relations has raised concerns that the issue may never be resolved. Background and Context The Korean War, which began in 1950, left an estimated 130,000 people separated from their families due to the conflict. Despite efforts by both nations to address this issue, reunions have been sporadic at best. In 2018, a reunion meeting took place in North Korea, but many families expressed frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress on reunions. Additional Perspectives Dr. Kim Young-soo, a Seoul-based expert on North Korean affairs, believes that Pyongyang's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue stems from its long-standing distrust of Seoul and Washington. "The issue of separated families is a humanitarian concern that transcends politics," said Dr. Lee Jae-hyun, a human rights activist based in Seoul. "We must continue to push for reunions as a matter of urgency." Current Status and Next Developments The current stalemate in inter-Korean relations has raised concerns that the issue may never be resolved. As time runs out for divided families, hopes of reunions are fading fast. Lee Jae Myung's administration will continue to work towards finding a solution, but analysts say that Pyongyang's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue makes it unlikely that progress will be made anytime soon. The fate of separated families remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder if they will ever see their loved ones again. *Reporting by Dw.*