Mother of Chang I-Yun already deceased

Of the separated family groups participating on August 15 inter-Korean reunion, the only surviving parent of the North Korean side, aged 109, has been confirmed dead. Her son, Chang I-Yun (age 71), had been waiting anxiously for the day when they would be reunited, and fainted upon hearing the news of his mother`s death.

The Korea National Red Cross sent an official to Chang`s home on Wednesday to inform him of his mother Koo-In`s death. Upon hearing the news, Chang wept bitterly and eventually lost consciousness. He was taken to nearby Sungboondo Hospital in an ambulance to receive treatment. North Korea informed the South of Koo In-Hyun`s death during the exchange of visitation lists through its Red Cross Panmunjom liaison official.

According to Hong Yang-Ho, a Ministry of Unification official, the North Korean liaison representative asked for understanding regarding the matter and did not provide detailed information on when or how Koo passed away. The Red Cross official did say that she had died some time ago.