[Vanishing Farewell]④ 'Security Dilemma' in Isangga Family Reunions, Need for Perspective Shift

To Watch or Reunite... Yoon Administration's 'Dilemma' on Separated Families
"Humanitarian Approach Is Important, But Security Must Not Be Compromised"
Need to Shift Perspective as a 'Historical Record'

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 lifelong separation. Every time the administration changes, the fluctuating North Korea policy has turned inflated hopes into swift disappointments. Meanwhile, the little child who lost his father's hand during the war has grown into an elderly person with deeply wrinkled skin. Through stories filled with resentment spanning over half a century, this article sheds light on the national task of 'Separated Families Reunion' and explores possible solutions.

The 'Separated Families Reunion' is possible only when a warm breeze blows on the Korean Peninsula. Under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which aims for 'peace through strength,' there is a dilemma between North Korea's nuclear threat and the reunion of separated families. Experts advise that efforts for a humanitarian approach should continue, while expanding the perspective to include the 2nd and 3rd generations of separated families.

"Focus on Humanitarian Approach, but Must Not Concede 'Security' Conditions"

Separated families reunited and parting again [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Professor Im Eul-chul of the Far East Institute at Gyeongnam National University pointed out in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 17th, "The separated families reunion event has been used as a political event, turning what should be approached from the most humanitarian perspective into a highly politicized issue." Both South and North Korea have used it as a means to achieve what each administration desires rather than fundamentally resolving the 'tragedy born of war.'

Professor Im said, "North Korea is not responding to any dialogue, but since sudden changes can happen anytime, the government cannot remain unprepared," advising, "It is necessary to show the North that the government has a special will to resolve the issue by attempting behind-the-scenes contacts to transform the separated families issue into a humanitarian matter."

However, the South's dilemma is 'security.' For example, the Moon Jae-in administration was criticized for exposing security vulnerabilities by significantly reducing the ROK-US joint military exercises under the pretext of improving relations with North Korea. Moon Seong-mook, head of the Unification Strategy Center at the Korea Institute for National Strategy and a 2nd generation separated family member, emphasized, "Security must not be used as a condition for resuming dialogue with North Korea."

Moon said, "The reunion of separated families will only be used as leverage for North Korea to get what it wants, and from Kim Jong-un's regime perspective, it is perceived as harmful to regime maintenance. We must clearly state that the humanitarian approach is based on security but should not be linked to political or military considerations. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration's 'Bold Initiative' is positive in this regard," he evaluated.

"Considering 2nd and 3rd Generations... Preparing for 'Historical Records'"

Photo Exhibition of Separated Families Reunion between South and North Korea 'Unstoppable Longing'

However, the firmer our stance on 'security,' the less likely North Korea is to come forward for dialogue first. The government is also concerned about the worsening aging problem amid the current state of severed exchanges. Professor Park Won-gon of the Department of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University advised that while the '1st generation reunion' is important, the perspective should be expanded to the 2nd and 3rd generations. He pointed out that we should not be trapped in problems that cannot be resolved by the South's will alone.

Professor Park said, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration's North Korea policy separates political and military considerations from humanitarian approaches, but from this principle, the separated families issue is not something North Korea is interested in. Considering the reality of aging, it is time to consider two perspectives: the short-term aspect of reuniting the 1st generation and the long-term aspect of their roots remaining in our society even after they pass away."

Professor Park emphasized the importance of preparing 'historical records.' "It is time to think about how to record the wounds and pains that appeared in individuals' lives through the tragedy of war and how to utilize them for future inter-Korean reconciliation," he said. Regarding the production of video letters for separated families, he suggested shifting the focus from 'delivery and exchange' to 'records that convey value to descendants.'

Taeyong-ho: "Separated Families Are a National Task... Need to Build Consensus"

Tae Young-ho, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Efforts to resolve the separated families issue are also continuing in the political arena. Taeyong-ho, a member of the People Power Party and a former North Korean diplomat, proposed an amendment to the Separated Families Act last August to designate 'Separated Families Day' as a legal commemorative day. The bill has passed the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's subcommittee and, after discussions between ruling and opposition parties, was agreed to be set on the '13th day of the 8th lunar month,' two days before Chuseok. This corresponds to September 27 this year.

Regarding the background of proposing the bill, Representative Tae said, "The separated families issue should be recognized not only as a pain for the parties and their families but also as a shared pain of the nation." He added, "It is a task that the state must actively resolve based on public sympathy." He believes that designating Separated Families Day as a legal commemorative day will help raise public interest through promotion by the state and local governments.

Representative Tae expressed support for private-sector efforts as dialogue between authorities remains difficult. He said, "Since 3,647 people passed away last year, time is clearly running out. If exchanges can be made even at the private level to confirm the life status of separated families and lead to reunions, it would certainly be welcomed." He added, "Regardless of other issues, I hope North Korea will take a progressive stance on the separated families issue."