Divided Families’History Gallery

1953-1997

As the D.P.R.K. (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or

North Korea) outpaces South Korea (R.O.K. or Republic of Korea) in

economic development,

it calls for economic and cultural exchanges

with the South, including

proposals regarding divided families.

1953-1969

South Korea begins to catch

up to the D.P.R.K.

in economic development.

1970 -1980

Red Cross talks regarding divided families end without agreement.

1971-1972

Koreans begin immigrating to the United States in large numbers, becoming one of the top five countries of origin of immigrants to the United States. After the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, abolishing quotas on the number of Asians allowed to enter the United States.

1975

KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) hosts a ‘Campaign to Reunite Ten Million Divided Families’ telethon that attracts millions looking for their divided families, but sadly only within South Korea, due to the D.P.R.K.’s non-participation. Still, after the 95 minute program was extended to 453 hours and 45 minutes due to overwhelming response, 10,000 out of 109,000 applicants were reunited.

1983

Choong Lim Chun, a Canadian, begins to reunite divided families, including Korean Americans,

after receiving a letter and picture of his older sister in 1979 from a security guard for North Korea’s Olympic team, while working as a reporter for the New Korea Times.

Although Korean Americans initiate contact, North Koreans seek their relatives as well by advertising in North Korean media and later, applying to meet them. After his death in 1995, his wife Soon Young continues his work.

1980

Three “Golden Years”: Korean Americans, e.g. Soo Gyung Lim, publicly advocate for reunification and reunions. Travel to the North is abundant.

1989 -1991

“Dark Times”: North Korea ends Korean American visits due to complaints from its general populace about preferential treatment given to the familymembers of Korean Americans.

1992-1997

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