Family Reunion as a 'Stepping Stone' to a Summit... Also Discussing the Role of the 'Pope's Visit to North Korea'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The government is promoting a video reunion for separated families this Chuseok and is working to create an atmosphere of reconciliation and cooperation between the South and North. Attention is focused on whether this can serve as a "stepping stone" to push for an inter-Korean summit. Archbishop Yoo Heung-sik, the first Korean appointed as a Vatican minister, is also drawing interest regarding whether he will explore the possibility of the Pope visiting North Korea.

On the morning of the 30th, Minister of Unification Lee In-young stated at a Ministry of Unification press briefing, "We will promptly complete a dialogue system between South and North Korea that enables communication even under COVID-19 circumstances, such as video talks and safe face-to-face meetings, going a step beyond reopening contact channels." He added, "While consulting with the North on our plans to establish communication channels, we will proceed with preparations so that dialogue can be opened at any time."

The first contact is likely related to humanitarian measures such as the reunion of separated families. Regarding this, a senior Blue House official said the day before, "Video reunions are an agreement between the South and North Korean leaders and the most effective method that can be immediately implemented under COVID-19 conditions," adding, "Since an agreement between the South and North is necessary for the video reunion of separated families, we will strive to continue consultations between the two Koreas." Minister Lee also revealed, "We proposed to the North through our liaison office to discuss the establishment of a video conference system, and the North has received the document containing our proposal."

If inter-Korean consultations progress and the reunion of separated families takes place this Chuseok, it will be the first time in about four years since the reunion in August 2018. In terms of video reunions, it will be the first in 14 years since 2007. If the restoration of communication lines is followed by the reunion of separated families, there is a high possibility that inter-Korean relations will greatly improve, securing momentum to push for a summit. Archbishop Yoo, tasked with the mission of the "Pope's visit to North Korea," entered the Vatican on this day, raising the possibility of the Pope's visit higher than ever, which could also serve as a stepping stone for improving inter-Korean relations.

Reunions of separated families have been held 21 times under past governments. Most occurred during the Kim Dae-jung (6 times) and Roh Moo-hyun (10 times) administrations, while the Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, and Moon Jae-in administrations held them 2, 2, and 1 times respectively. This is because reunions were mainly active when inter-Korean relations improved significantly, such as during summits. During the Kim Dae-jung administration, reunions were actively held after the inter-Korean summit in June 2000 until the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and in 2018, reunions were held following two summits.

There is consensus that there are no technical issues since both sides have experience with video reunions in the past and both have non-face-to-face systems in place. However, practical consultations between the two sides for the reunion are essential, and it is uncertain whether the North will respond to the South's proposal. Just as the reunion was completely suspended after the shooting of Park Wang-ja in 2008, the possibility of sudden adverse developments in inter-Korean relations cannot be ruled out.