New York:President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that addressing the plight of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War is "the most pressing issue" for the two Koreas. His statement was read by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young as President Lee is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee highlighted that it has been eight years since the last family reunion and stressed the urgency of allowing families to reconnect, regardless of their global locations. He urged both Koreas to move beyond hostility and confrontation, focusing instead on respect and genuine exchange. Despite the current inter-Korean relations being at a standstill, Lee affirmed his government's commitment to resolving this issue.

Unification Minister Chung shared a personal reflection, noting that he was born on July 27, 1953, the same day the Korean War armistice was signed. This coincidence has held personal significance for him, as he believes the armistice should eventually lead to lasting peace between the two Koreas.

Kim Hyung-seok, a professor emeritus of philosophy at Yonsei University and a first-generation member of a separated family, shared his perspective. Born in Pyongyang in 1920, he recounted how he never anticipated that leaving his hometown during the war would mean being separated from it for so long. He expressed hope that freedom and a freer political system will eventually prevail.

Jung Min-soon, head of the separated families committee, called on the government to create a memorial to preserve the stories of these families. He emphasized the importance of passing these stories to future generations as a reminder of the value of peace.

As of the end of August, there were 134,843 separated families registered with the government. Of these, 101,895 people have passed away, with approximately 67 percent of the surviving members being elderly aged 80 and older.