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Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The North and South Korean Red Cross have been in regular contact since fall, and the organizations have been confirming the status of separated family members, according to Japanese news services. The two organizations responsible for arranging inter-Korea family reunions have been in conversation for five months in order to discuss possible future reunions, Kyodo News and Sankei Shimbun reported Friday.
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Park Kyung-seo, chairman of the South Korean Red Cross, disclosed the development during a ceremony at Mangbaedan, an altar near the Korean demilitarized zone, according to the news reports.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been involved in the conversations, Park said.
The South Korean Red Cross chief also said the status of at least 200 people will be confirmed by the end of the year.
The Sankei reported the current North-South détente may have begun with reconciliation overtures from Kim Jong Un on New Year's Day, but humanitarian issues have been under discussion for a longer period of time.
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyun said he would pursue, "without regard to cost," the re-establishment of family reunions, during his attendance at the Mangbaedan ceremony.
The event is held annually on Lunar New Year in remembrance of the families who continue to be separated by the division of Korea.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in continues to receive substantial support from the public, following the North Korean delegation visit to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, local television network SBS reported.
About 67 percent said they approve of his performance, while about 27 percent said did not approve of his recent policies as president.
The survey was conducted by SBS.
