Number of S. Koreans with family in N. Korea down to less than 33,000
The number of South Koreans with family members in North Korea following their separation during the 1950-53 Korean War continues to drop, with less than 33,000 now remaining and the majority of them already aged over 80 years, data showed Sunday. As of late August, a total of 134,848 people have registered as having separated family members in the North, but only 32,948 of them were still…
As of late August, the number of South Koreans with family members in North Korea has dwindled to less than 33,000, according to data submitted to Representative Woo Won-shik of the ruling Democratic Party. Out of the 134,848 people registered as having separated family members, only 32,948 still maintain contact, with the majority now over 80 years old.
Two-thirds of the survivors fall into the 80-89 age range, while 11,007 are 90 or older. Sadly, around 3,000 people die annually without reuniting with their loved ones across the border. With the dwindling time for separated families, the unification ministry must prioritize inter-Korean dialogue in talks with the United States, according to Representative Woo, who also has family in the North.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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