North Korea is taking a unilateral action by demolishing its Mount Kumgang Reunion Center, a facility crucial for families separated by the Korean War. This demolition has drawn severe condemnation from South Korea, with officials describing it as an inhumane act that undermines the hopes of more than 133,600 South Koreans who registered as separated families. The act is viewed within the context of increasing hostility from North Korea, which has labeled South Korea a 'hostile state' and escalated conflicts along the border, marking a grim continuation of decades-long tensions.
"The demolition of the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center is an inhumane act that tramples on the earnest wishes of separated families," emphasized the South Korean unification ministry.
"North Korea's unilateral demolition cannot be justified under any pretext, and the North Korean authorities must bear full responsibility for this situation," stated the spokesperson.
More than 133,600 South Koreans have registered themselves as 'separated families' since 1988... Some 36,000 are still alive, according to official data.
Decades of tensions after a war that ended in a truce, rather than peace, have exacerbated grief for families separated by the Korean War.
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