SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea is in the process of demolishing a property built by South Korea, which had been utilized for hosting family reunions for those separated since the Korean War that took place from 1950 to 1953. This action was confirmed by the South Korean government, which views this demolition as part of North Korea’s ongoing effort to dismantle structures symbolizing cooperation between the two nations, now long divided by war.
The relationship between North and South Korea has deteriorated significantly, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un prominently displaying the country’s advancing nuclear arsenal. Kim has also declared a departure from previous aspirations for inter-Korean reconciliation, labeling South Korea as a constant adversary. This stark shift marks a period of heightened tension, absent the diplomatic engagement that had characterized previous years.
The 12-story building located in North Korea’s picturesque Diamond Mountain resort, featuring 206 rooms and facilities for gatherings, had served as the venue for family reunions since its inauguration in 2009. The most recent family reunion took place in 2018, following a period of intensified diplomacy initiated by Kim with both Seoul and Washington, aimed at leveraging his country’s nuclear capabilities for potential economic gains.
However, diplomatic talks halted in 2019 after a collapsed summit between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. rejected North Korea’s request for a significant easing of economic sanctions in return for a partial denuclearization commitment. Following this breakdown, North Korea effectively ceased all diplomatic engagements with the South, dismissing U.S. overtures to rekindle discussions while accelerating its nuclear and missile development programs.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry, responsible for managing inter-Korean relations, reported confirming the demolition of the building, officially named the Reunion Center for the Separated Families. The ministry has called upon North Korea to halt this destruction, noting that other South Korean facilities, including a hotel and a golf course, have been dismantled at the same resort.
The ministry condemned the demolition as a violation of human decency, calling it an act that disregards the deep-seated desires of separated families, alongside a serious violation of South Korean property rights. They indicated that the South Korean government might contemplate “necessary” counteractions, which could include legal avenues and pursuing international support for their cause; however, it remains uncertain if there are practical measures available to them.
In 2023, South Korea took steps to seek compensation from North Korea, launching a lawsuit amounting to 44.7 billion won (approximately $30 million) for the destruction of a joint liaison office just across the border in 2020. This legal action is largely symbolic, as there are limited means for South Korea to enforce payment from North Korea, should they be found liable for the damages incurred.
