Kwon Young-se "Inter-Korean Officials Should Hold Talks to Resolve Separated Families Issue" Proposal (Update)

"400 Separated Families Die Every Month... Must Resolve Before the Term 'Separated Families' Disappears"
Will Actively Consider North Korea's Wishes on Meeting Date, Location, Agenda, and Format

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 8th, Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification, officially proposed to North Korea a meeting between the South and North authorities for the fundamental resolution of the separated families issue.

At 10 a.m. that day, Minister Kwon, through a statement issued in his name at the briefing room of the Government Seoul Office Building, suggested to the North that responsible authorities from both sides promptly hold talks to resolve the separated families issue.

First, Minister Kwon said, "The national holiday Chuseok is just two days away. This Chuseok as well, many separated families will spend a lonely holiday longing for their families and hometowns," adding, "As the Minister of Unification, I feel a heavy responsibility."

He continued, "Seventy years have passed without knowing even the life or death of parents and siblings. Time is running out. About 400 separated family members pass away every month," and "The remaining 40,000 or so are elderly in their 80s and 90s," urging, "The South and North authorities must honestly face this painful reality."

He then emphasized, "We must resolve the issue before the very word 'separated families' disappears," and stressed, "We need to promptly and fundamentally prepare measures using all possible methods immediately."

Minister Kwon also said, "I hope that responsible authorities from the South and North can meet directly as soon as possible to candidly discuss humanitarian issues including the separated families problem."

He added, "The government will approach talks with an open mind," and "We will actively consider the North's wishes regarding the date, location, agenda, and format of the talks."

He further stated, "We strongly urge the North Korean authorities to promptly respond to our proposal," and "I ask the public to support the government's efforts."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.