Excitement, sorrow for families separated by Korean War

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03:41

Ahead of Monday’s reunion between family members separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, dozens of elderly and frail people from the Republic of Korea (ROK) gathered at a hotel in the coastal town of Sokcho.

It is a long-overdue reunion. There's a lot of anticipation in the atmosphere, and along the excitement, there is also some nervousness as well as sorrow.

Millions of people were swept apart by the war, which divided brothers and sisters, parents and children and husband and wives and led to the division of the Korean peninsula.

Among them was 92-year-old ROK resident Yoon Heung-gu. He was about to reunite with his younger brother and sister now living in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north.

92-year-old Yoon Heung-gu. /CGTN Photo‍

"I'm so happy this opportunity has come. I didn't even dream it would happen..." said Yoon. "When I received the call from the Red Cross, I was so shocked, I yelled at them, 'Don't play with me!' Because I didn't believe them, because it's been so long."

Lee Geum-sum, 91, was about to reunite with her son. She was a bit pessimistic when talking to CGTN correspondent Joseph Kim.

"I'm too old. This is the end for me, our last meeting." said Lee, "When would we ever be able to meet again? Maybe if we met next year then I could have some hope but I don't think I'm going to live for many years to come."

91-year-old Lee Geum-sum. /CGTN Photo

Two rounds of reunions are scheduled in August. This reunion is the first of its kind in nearly three years.

The good news is that ROK officials say the reunions will continue.