In a move that has provoked widespread condemnation, North Korea has demolished the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center, a facility that played a crucial role in reuniting families separated by the Korean War. The demolition is perceived as an attempt by North Korea to sever all inter-Korean ties, an action deemed "inhumane" by South Korea. Since the Korean War split the peninsula between 1950 and 1953, millions of families have been torn apart, with brothers, sisters, parents, and children living on opposite sides of the border. These reunions served as a rare opportunity for emotional and often heartbreaking gatherings and were heavily subject to inter-Korean political dynamics.
The first reunion of separated families took place in 1985, but it was not until 2000, following the first inter-Korean summit, that these events became more frequent. Hosted primarily at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea, these reunions were a testament to the enduring human cost of the peninsula's division. Despite this, the last family reunion was held in 2018, with the reunions often used as a diplomatic tool by Pyongyang to extract concessions from South Korea.
"The demolition of the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center is an inhumane act that tramples on the earnest wishes of separated families," a spokesperson for Seoul's unification ministry stated.
As of 2025, around 36,000 individuals from these separated families are still alive. Since 1988, approximately 130,000 South Koreans have registered their "separated families," highlighting the ongoing desire for reunification. However, for many of these individuals, the possibility of reconnecting with their loved ones remains uncertain. Seventy-five percent of separated families are unaware if their relatives are alive or deceased, underscoring the painful uncertainty they endure.
"North Korea's unilateral demolition cannot be justified under any pretext, and the North Korean authorities must bear full responsibility for this situation," added the spokesperson for Seoul's unification ministry.
The decision to demolish the reunion center has been met with stern opposition from South Korea. Officials have expressed strong regret over North Korea's actions and have urged an immediate halt to such measures. The reunions were not merely events; they represented hope and healing for families who had suffered decades of separation due to geopolitical tensions.
"Ever since the administration took office, everything has been cut off," remarked an official at the Inter Korean Separated Families Association.
Experts suggest that this move aligns with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's broader strategy to sever all inter-Korean ties. This demolition marks part of a larger process aimed at distancing North Korea from its southern neighbor.
"Kim Jong Un declared his intention to sever all inter-Korean ties," said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies. "I see this as part of that process."
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