Separated Families Day is a day to share suffering and longing, and
address the issue of separated families
Commemoration ceremony for the 1st Separated Families Day (September 27)
On September 27, the Ministry of Unification held a commemoration
ceremony to mark the 1st Separated Families Day*, which was designated
as a national memorial day in March.
In addition to the commemoration, cultural events to celebrate
Separated Families Day took place at Gwanghwamun Square, featuring a
photo and video exhibition on separated families and performances by
an art troupe of separated families and a North Korean defector singer.
*As agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties after ten years
of negotiation in March 2023, “Separated Families Day shall be
designated as a national memorial day two days before Chuseok each
year (August 13 on the lunar calendar) [Article 12 (1) of the Act on
Separated Families].”
The ceremony was attended by more than 400 people, including
representatives from organizations related to separated families,
members of the National Assembly, and government officials, to
celebrate the designation of Separated Families Day as a national
memorial day and provide solace to separated families in agony.
Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho, in his speech at the ceremony,
stressed that the designation of Separated Families Day as a national
memorial day is a remarkable change brought about by the united
efforts of the ruling and opposition parties and the government. He
added that this will serve as important momentum for not only
separated families but also future generations in gathering collective
resolve to address the issue of separated families.
Furthermore, while Minister Kim strongly urged North Korean
authorities to take responsible steps toward addressing the issue of
separated families, he stated that the Korean government will continue
to make necessary preparations, including the production of video
messages, genetic testing, and research on the actual condition of
separated families living abroad, to ensure that the families can
reunite, even if belatedly.