South Korea: Lee says North Korea should consider humanitarian exchanges between separated families
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on North Korea Friday to let families torn apart by the Korean War reconnect in simple ways, like confirming if loved ones are alive or swapping letters. With talks between the two Koreas stalled, he stressed this as a key humanitarian step amid rising tensions on the divided peninsula.
Since taking office in June, Lee has pushed for better South Korea-North Korea relations, but North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shut down dialogue. Kim recently labeled the neighbors as “two hostile states” and showed no interest in reconciliation or unification.
Speaking at a gathering with elderly North Korean defectors who fled south during the 1950-53 Korean War, Lee put the onus on leaders from both sides. “We must help these separated families learn if their relatives are still alive and at least exchange letters,” he said. The two Koreas never signed a peace treaty after the war—just an armistice—so they’re still technically at war. No mail, calls, or direct contact exists between everyday people across the sealed border.
From the Ganghwa Peace Observatory in Incheon, with a view into North Korea, Lee made a direct appeal. “Even in the middle of our conflicts and military standoffs, we need these measures for humanitarian reasons,” he told the group. His comments came on the first day of the extended Chuseok holiday, a big family celebration in both countries, just after Kim doubled down on his tough stance toward the South while fondly recalling his meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lee admitted the path to full family reunions and living together seems far off given the hostility. “It’s heartbreaking, and I feel guilty as a politician for not doing more,” he said, promising to work hard to make reunions possible again soon.
Over the years, the Koreas have organized 21 rounds of emotional family reunions since their leaders’ landmark 2000 summit. More than 20,000 people have reunited temporarily, often timed around holidays like Chuseok. The last ones happened in 2018. In 2022, South Korea offered talks on restarting them, but North Korea hasn’t replied.
This issue hits hard now, as most separated family members are in their 70s or 80s, desperate to see relatives before it’s too late, according to Yonhap news agency. Korean War separated families remain a top humanitarian concern in inter-Korean relations.
Lee plans to unwind during the weeklong Chuseok break while gearing up for a busy fall. His office says he’ll attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju on October 31 and November 1. On Sunday, he’ll guest on a TV cooking show to share his favorite Korean dishes and boost local cuisine.
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