Minister Chung Delivers Consolation Items to Elderly Separated Families

Minister Chung Visits Elderly Separated Families During the Year-End Holiday Season
Minister Chung Delivers Consolation Items to Elderly Separated Families (December 24)

On December 24, Minister of Unification Chung Dong Young visited the home of Kim Bong Hwan (105), an elderly separated family member residing in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, to convey words of comfort. During the visit, Minister Chung listened closely to the long-standing pain caused by separation directly from those affected.

Kim shared that "since being separated from my parents and siblings during the Korean War," he has spent his entire life "hoping to reunite with my younger siblings who remain in my hometown." He asked Minister Chung, "If it would be possible to at least confirm whether my family members in the North are still alive."

After listening to Kim's story, Minister Chung emphasized that "separated families represent the greatest sorrow born of national division-a tragedy not only of individuals, but of our entire people." He further noted that "time is running out, as most separated family members are of advanced age," and pledged to "continue working to resolve humanitarian issues through all available means, including inter-Korean dialogue."

Expressing regret that he could not personally visit and comfort more separated families, the Minister also delivered New Year's cards containing messages of consolation and care packages to 100 elderly separated family members.