Unification Ministry holds a commemoration ceremony for the 2nd Separated Families’ Day

"We will go together until the day we meet again."
Unification Ministry holds a commemoration ceremony for the 2nd Separated Families' Day (September 15)

On September 15, the Ministry of Unification, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, held a commemoration ceremony for the 2nd Separated Families' Day under the slogan "We Will Go Together Until the Day We Meet Again," with the themes "Memory," "Comfort," "Empathy," and "Companionship." The event was organized to console the pain of separated families and to raise public awareness and empathy for addressing the issue of separated families.

Around 320 attendees attended the event, including separated families, related organizations, the Speaker and members of the National Assembly, and government officials. A "joint memorial service" was held at a digital memorial altar, where first to third-generation separated families and distinguished guests could "remember" and honor their ancestors ahead of Chuseok.

The ceremony featured welcoming and congratulatory speeches from key figures, a presentation of awards to persons of merit, the screening of a video message created by a third-generation granddaughter of a separated family, and her remarks on making the video.
A commemorative performance by singer Seol Undo, who sang about the sorrow of separation, and the choir of the Seven Northern Korean Provinces, composed of second and third-generation separated families, followed.

Minister Kim Yung Ho read a commemorative speech by President Yoon at the ceremony.

The following is the President's commemorative address.

President's Commemorative Address for the 2nd Separated Families' Day

Congratulations on the 2nd Separated Families' Day.
As we celebrate Hangawi, a national festivity also known as Chuseok, I extend my warm regards and consolation to each and every separated family member in both South and North Korea.

As time relentlessly passes with North Korea keeping its regime tightly closed off, the separated families are aging, and their suffering deepens.
Out of the 130,000 applicants for government-arranged reunions, about 3,000 pass away each year without having the chance to meet their dispersed families.
Now, only around 40,000 separated family members remain, still longing for the day they can see their loved ones again.
The issue of separated families is the most pressing task we must resolve.

The South Korean government, in its effort to address the issue and console the pain of separated families, designated "Separated Families' Day" as a national commemoration day.
Although the North Korean authorities are even rejecting inter-Korean humanitarian exchanges, the government is doing what it can and going ahead with them first.
We are strengthening the foundation for exchange through domestic and international surveys of separated families, DNA testing, making video messages, and events to console the families.

A survey of separated family members was specially conducted across North America last year, with similar surveys being carried out in other parts of the world this year.
We will strengthen the basis for cooperation by consistently calling for international attention to the issue of separated families on the international stage, including at the United Nations.

It is inconceivable to fathom the sorrow of the separated families who have been separated from their loved ones for over 70 years.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to all who have been living their lives in such pain for all these years, including separated family members in both South and North Korea, victims of abductions, detentions, and prisoners of war, and their families.

The South Korean government will persist our effort to share the burden of your pain and do our utmost to advance a unified Republic of Korea based on freedom and prosperity.
Thank you.
September 15, 2024
President of the Republic of Korea
Yoon Suk Yeol

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