N. Korean propaganda outlet blasts S. Korea for demanding separated families info

A North Korean online propaganda outlet blasted South Korea on Monday for demanding information of family members separated after the Korean War (1950-53).

Dprktoday.com claimed that it is utterly ridiculous that Seoul, which has brought about the worst inter-Korean tensions in history, is calling for the speedy resolution of the separated families issue on humanitarian grounds.

The attack comes as South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Dec. 23 urged the North to respond to demands to share information to determine if separated family members living in the two Koreas are still alive. 

The data is important for conducting future meetings and the possible exchange of letters.

"It is the South Korean government that blocked all avenues of progress on this matter," it said, adding that Seoul is trying to blame the current impasse on the North.

Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn delivers a speech in front of military personnel (Yonhap)

It argued that renewed talks on family reunions is a ploy to overcome the current crisis in leadership facing the South and make it possible for conservative elements to hold onto power. 

South Korea's conservative president was impeached on corruption charges in December that have effectively created a power vacuum in the country.

The propaganda site then said that by kidnapping restaurant staff in China last year, Seoul has actually created new separated families causing more pain and suffering.

Other state-managed Internet based sites, such as Uriminzokkiri, said the South has consistently pursued a hostile policy of confrontation that has blocked a meeting between separated families.

"It is nonsense that Seoul is calling for reunions of separated families at this juncture when it is they who left scars in the hearts of many people by blocking reunions," North Korea's main Internet news site said. (Yonhap)