The reunions of divided families have been achieved as a result of the August 25 agreement between the two Koreas.

Though the issue is first and foremost a humanitarian one, it has been speculated that they may, at the same time, affect North Korea by allowing communication between South and North Koreans.

But North Korean defectors who have taken leading roles in activism, media and government have mixed opinions as to their effectiveness. One expert said that it is meaningful that North Koreans can actually witness the effects of South Korea’s developed society and economy. However, some said North Korea