Dec. 24 (Asia Today) -- Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met separated families ahead of the year-end holidays and said South Korea will seek to resolve humanitarian issues through inter-Korean dialogue, the ministry said Tuesday.
The ministry said Chung visited Kim Bong-hwan, 105, on Tuesday. Kim told Chung he has spent his life hoping to meet younger siblings in North Korea after being separated from his parents and siblings during the Korean War. He asked that authorities at least confirm whether his family members in the North are alive or dead, the ministry said.
Chung said separated families represent one of the deepest tragedies created by the division of the peninsula. With most separated family members elderly, time is short, he said, adding the government will pursue multiple avenues to address humanitarian issues, including inter-Korean dialogue.
The ministry said Chung also delivered New Year's cards and consolation gifts to 100 elderly separated family members.
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