South Korea Calls on North Korea to Halt Dismantling of Family Reunion Facility at Mt. Kumgang
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Synopsis
On February 13, South Korea's unification ministry condemned North Korea's dismantling of a family reunion facility at the Mt. Kumgang resort. They called for an immediate halt to the actions, expressing regret and considering legal measures against North Korea for violating South Korea's property rights.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea is dismantling a family reunion facility.
- The South Korean ministry has voiced strong regrets.
- Legal action is being considered against North Korea.
- The facility was the last South Korean structure at Mt. Kumgang.
- Many families remain separated since the Korean War.
Seoul, Feb 13 (NationPress) The unification ministry of South Korea announced on Thursday that North Korea is in the process of tearing down a facility dedicated to reunions for families separated by the Korean conflict, located within the Mount Kumgang tourist region. The ministry has urged Pyongyang to cease these actions immediately.
Koo Byoung-sam, the spokesperson for the South Korean ministry, expressed deep regret regarding North Korea's decision, stating that they are contemplating legal avenues to address this violation of South Korea's property rights.
This reunion facility was the last remaining structure owned by the South Korean side at the Mount Kumgang resort, while North Korea has previously demolished all other buildings in the tour area, which was once a beacon of inter-Korean reconciliation, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
“We express our strong regret over this unilateral demolition ... and we firmly urge North Korea to halt these actions immediately,” Koo stated, emphasizing that all repercussions from this situation should rest with North Korea.
The spokesperson condemned the demolition as an inhumane action that disregards the aspirations of separated families and infringes upon South Korea's property rights.
“We will consider necessary measures, including legal actions and collaboration with the international community,” he noted.
With a total budget of 51.2 billion won (approximately US$35.2 million) from South Korea, this 12-story facility was finalized in 2008 following an inter-Korean agreement aimed at facilitating family reunions from both North and South Korea. The two Koreas have been divided since the Korean War of 1950-53 and the subsequent partition of the peninsula.
As of the close of December, there were 36,941 South Koreans registered with the government seeking to reunite with relatives in the North, while many others have passed away due to old age without ever having had the opportunity to meet.
