90% of separated families in North
America that responded to survey hope to confirm the fate of their
loved ones, yet less than 20% have successfully tracked their families
The Ministry of Unification unveils the
results of its first-ever survey of separated families overseas
February 7, 2024
The results of the first-ever survey on the status of separated
families in the North America Region, conducted in 2023, revealed that
8 out of every 10 respondents (80.7%) have not yet confirmed the fate
of their family members in North Korea, of which 90% expressed a wish
to do so.
According to the survey, 19.3% of respondents reported successfully
tracking the status of their family members in North Korea, with the
majority doing so through private organizations or individuals
(52.2%), while 13% through official government channels.
According to the respondents, the priorities of the policy for
separated families were as follows: confirmation of fate (59.7%),
prioritizing exchange among the elderly (51.3%), face-to-face reunions
(24.4%), and visits to hometowns (24.4%). The domestic survey
conducted in 2021 also revealed that separated families chose
confirmation of fate (65.8%) as the top priority.
When asked about the preferred methods for the confirmation of fate,
82.8% favored verification through the Ministry of Unification and the
Korean Red Cross, with private organizations and individuals following
at 13.8%. The preference for official channels in confirming the fate
of separated families is presumed to stem from considerations of trust
in the results and the safety of family members in North Korea.
When asked about the preferred locations for reunions, neutral zones
like Panmunjeom (28.2%) were the top choice, followed by Seoul
(17.3%), reunion center in Mount Geumgang (17.3%), and Pyeongyang
(11.8%). It is assumed that neutral zones are preferred in light of
personal safety amid continuing tensions between the two Koreas and
between the U.S. and North Korea.
While the majority of separated families expressed a willingness to
participate in family exchange programs, some did not, citing reasons
such as aging issues. Respondents desired exchange of letters and
video messages (96.4%) the most, followed by hometown visits (94.5%),
confirmation of fate (90.6%), and family reunions (84%).
The survey of overseas separated families specifically targeted the
United States and Canada, home to a significant number of such
families, to update their application information and understand their
policy demands. The survey was conducted via phone, online, and
face-to-face inquiries by Gallup Korea spanning from July to December 2023.
A total of 146 application information registered in the Integrated
Information System for Separated Families has been updated, and the
survey was carried out with 119 respondents. Since the 2000s, 825
separated families in the U.S. and Canada registered in the system.
51.3% of the respondents were in their 80s or older, with 63.9% male
and 36.1% female.
Serving the survey of separated families in the North America region
as momentum, the Ministry of Unification plans to actively gather the
opinions of both domestic and overseas separated families and
incorporate them into policies.
Recognizing the challenges faced by overseas separated families in
participating in or accessing information about the South Korean
government’s policies, efforts will be made to enhance information
accessibility, provide convenience and actively promote related policies.
Additionally, considering the issue of aging separated families and
the suggestions from the National Assembly, the Ministry of
Unification plans to shorten the survey cycle and conduct a
comprehensive survey targeting both domestic and overseas separated
families this year.
* Unofficial translation
