End of an Era: Kim Jong-un Is Dismantling Reunion Center That Saw a National Catharsis of Families Divided by War

Survivors of the era now number 36,000, and their numbers are dwindling.

Lee Ji-eun/Yonhap via AP
South Korean Lee Keum-seom, 92, left, weeps with her North Korean son Ri Sang Chol, 71, during the Separated Family Reunion Meeting at the Diamond Mountain resort in North Korea in 2018. Lee Ji-eun/Yonhap via AP

They laughed, wept, clung, and shared memories as they met long-lost relatives they hadn’t seen in decades. Then, later, away from the cameras, they cried in mourning, knowing they would never meet again, even briefly.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use