Korean families from North and South reunited for first time in 60 years

Some came in wheelchairs, more were leaning on their walking sticks and most were overcome by tears, laughter or just shock. Hundreds of mainly elderly Koreans from both North and South have began three days of reunions with family members many have had no contact with since war divided the country more than 60 years ago.

Dressed in business suits, formal dresses and the traditional hanbok, 390 South Koreans travelled to the North’s scenic Diamond Mountain resort. They brought long johns, medicine, parkas, calligraphy works and cash to give as presents to about 140 family members in the North.

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Journalists crowded around South Korean Lee Soon-kyu, 85, as she met her North Korean husband, Oh In Se, 83. As cameras flashed, she looked with amazement at Mr Oh, who wore a dapper suit and hat. The images were broadcast throughout South Korea but North Korea’s government imposed more restraint, perhaps afraid that the sight of affluent South Koreans might reduce its grip on power.

According to state media, North Korean participants explained to their South Korean relatives how “happy” and “worthwhile” their lives have been under the North’s political system.

The emotions stemmed partly from the elderly reuniting after decades spent apart, and partly from the knowledge that this would almost certainly be their only chance. No previous participant has had a second reunion. The two sides agreed in August to resume family reunions, during talks to end a stand-off that began when landmine blasts blamed on Pyongyang maimed two South Korean soldiers.

At a table covered with a white cloth, bottled water and soft drinks and a vase of flowers, South Korean Kim Bock-rack wept as he clasped his sister’s hands. The reunions, the first for 18 months, are a poignant reminder that the two Koreas are still officially at war, since the 1950-53 Korean War ended without a peace treaty. Ordinary citizens are barred from visiting relatives living on the other side of the border or even from exchanging letters, phone calls or emails without permission.

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South Korean Lee Ok-yeon, 88, will be reunited with her husband for the first time in 65 years. She still lives in the house her husband, also now 88, built and that the couple shared as newlyweds. Her grandson Chae Jeong-jae said she had “asked whether it was a dream or a reality” when told she would attend the reunions.

Choi Hyeong-jin, 95, will also be reunited this week with his youngest daughter, who was two when he left her and is now 64. “I am not sure if I will even be able to recognise her,” he said.

Most who apply for the reunions are elderly and desperate to see their loved ones before they die. Oh Cheol-ran, a 77-year-old South Korean, said that before her parents died they always spoke tearfully of her brother who was left in the North. “I’m so happy to see him even now. I haven’t been able to sleep well,” said Ms Oh.

AP