[Disappearing Farewell]③ Ryu Jaebok "Resume Civil Exchanges Before It's Too Late"

Political and Military Confrontation Separate... Importance of Civilians
"Will Continue Efforts for Reunion Even if North Korea Visit Request Is Denied"

Editor's NoteIt has been 70 years since the sounds of war ceased on the Korean Peninsula, yet separated families still live with the wounds of separation. Every time the administration changes, the fluctuating policy toward North Korea has turned inflated expectations into disappointment. Meanwhile, the little child who lost his father's hand during the war has become an elderly person with deep wrinkles. Through stories filled with resentment spanning over half a century, this article sheds light on the national task of 'reunion of separated families' and seeks solutions.

Recently, Ryu Jaebok, president of the South-North Separated Families Association, who applied to visit North Korea through the Ministry of Unification, urged the government to support the 'resumption of civilian exchanges.' Since dialogue between authorities is difficult due to a hardline policy toward North Korea, he intends to open a path for family reunions at least in the civilian sphere.

In a recent interview with Asia Economy, President Ryu said, "It is truly heartbreaking that more separated families are passing away without meeting their relatives as time goes by," and emphasized, "It is time to resume civilian exchanges for family reunions before it is too late."

Ryu Jaebok, President of the South-North Korean Separated Families Association. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

He was elected as the 5th president of the South-North Separated Families Association in March last year and described 'family reunions' as "a matter of blood relations that cannot be judged by any other value." He stated, "The government must uphold the principle of denuclearization for security and take a tough stance against North Korea's military provocations to ensure the safety of the people," but also emphasized that "even if the South and North confront each other politically and militarily as they do now, the tragedy of severed blood ties should be resolved exceptionally on a humanitarian basis."

The background behind President Ryu's emphasis on 'civilian exchanges' is his plan to mobilize all human resources that can reach North Korea. He introduced his experience during the Kim Dae-jung administration in 1999, when he supported confirming the whereabouts of 103 separated family members, showing documents exchanged between the South and North. President Ryu also explained that after the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, he mediated Korean performances by a Chinese circus troupe traveling through the three northeastern provinces of China, and through Chinese officials and local media, he had various connections with the North, who had also reached out first.

A document that Ryu Jae-bok, chairman of the South-North Korean Separated Families Association, delivered to both sides while arranging the confirmation of the life status of separated families in 1999 during the Kim Dae-jung administration. The white paper is from the South, and the yellowish paper is from the North.

This recent application to visit North Korea was also based on his personal network. He said that after receiving no response to the 'South-North separated families' life status confirmation and reunion project plan' submitted to the Ministry of Unification in May last year, he took direct action. Last summer, through former overseas diplomats, he inquired about the North's willingness to promote a 'civilian-level separated families reunion project,' and received an invitation letter in response. He said, "Since the sender is not an agency recognized by the Ministry of Unification, difficulties are expected," but added, "I will follow the government's decision, but I will not stop efforts for reunions."

President Ryu explained, "Many separated families contact the association almost daily," and "Many hope to confirm the life status of or meet their families in the North through China." He believes preparations for civilian exchanges should begin in advance, as North Korea, which has closed its borders due to COVID-19, is expected to soon lift restrictions. Just as the law on separated families provides 3 million won for life status confirmation and 6 million won for successful reunions, he hopes the government will support civilian exchanges using funds such as the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Fund.

Ryu Jaebok, President of the South-North Korean Separated Families Association. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

President Ryu said, "Through cooperation with North Korean authorities and the Red Cross, we aim to promote sustainable life status confirmation, letter exchanges, and eventually reunions from a standpoint unrelated to the South-North and North Korea-US confrontations," adding, "It is time to consider practical proposals that Kim Jong-un might respond to under the goal of family reunions." He further mentioned, "If the government supports us, we are planning concrete measures such as arranging reunions at the Tumen River Hotel in Yanbian, a border area between North Korea and China, or on the Mangyongbong ship."

Meanwhile, the South-North Separated Families Association is planning an event in the first half of the year where separated families and North Korean defectors can gather in one place. The purpose is to create an opportunity for those who have shared experiences, including news from their hometowns, to comfort each other and exchange helpful information.