Fewer than 60,000 remain on Korean family reunion register: MOU

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Fewer than 60,000 remain on Korean family reunion register: MOU

Over 3700 South Koreans awaiting reunions passed away in 2017, data shows

Hamish Macdonald January 9, 2018

Fewer than 60,000 remain on Korean family reunion register: MOU

South Korean government

The number of surviving South Koreans registered as eligible for meetings with North Korean family members divided by the Korean War continued to drop steadily in 2017 with less than 60,000 remaining, according to statistics published by the Ministry of Unification (MOU) in January.

While 2017 witnessed 194 new applicants, a total of 3797 of the existing registered members also passed away, according to the monthly compilation of statistics.

About the Author

Hamish Macdonald

Hamish Macdonald is an Associate Fellow at RUSI who formerly worked on Project SANDSTONE and formerly a journalist and researcher who has focused uniquely on North Korea related topics and affairs. He was previously the COO of the Korea Risk Group, which produces the NK News and NK Pro. Specialising in this area, his investigations covered topics including North Korean sanctions evasion activities, domestic economic development and human rights.

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