Hoping split families in the South meet relatives in the North

I just read your article “60 years’ longing to reunite” (Sept. 14-15, written by Shin Hyon-hee) with profound emotion because I, too, am one of those octogenarians who has been separated from their loved ones.

You mentioned that 87-year-old Joo Hak-yong had come from Seoheung County, North Hwangae Province, which is adjacent to my home county Suan-gun. My hometown (Naedeok-ri, Daeseong-myeon, Suan-gun) borders with Joo’s Seoheung County.

This really makes me homesick. I was so emotional that I stopped in the middle of writing my memoir for my grandchildren, and I am writing this email to you.

My name is Kim Tae-hyok, 82 years old, residing in New Hampshire. I was born the youngest of five to my poor farmer parents.

Since there was no hope to grow in the remote hamlet, at 15 I went alone to Seoul in search of educational opportunity in the fall of 1946.

With no skills, no higher education, I worked odd jobs for over one year. Then I joined the nascent South Korean Army in 1948 and fought the North Korean invaders.

After the war, I received secondary and college education. Then I came to the United States for graduate study and settled in the States.

Despite having a wonderful family and children, I miss my parents so much, who would be in their mid-120s if they were alive.

I have empathy with Joo, hoping he can make the trip and meet his relatives face-to-face. Please convey my best wishes to him.

By Kim Tae-hyok

Kim Tae-hyok is a resident of New Hampshire. He can be reached at tkim@charter.net. ― Ed.