"Reunions the first step to reconciliation."

Internationally renowned publications such as Time of the U.S. and Germany`s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) made the reunion of North-South separated families top news, opining that it is a huge step forward in bringing reconciliation to the Korean peninsula. However, foreign correspondents did point out that the intentions behind North Korea`s permission to allow the reunion are unclear, so North Korea must be approached with caution.

The New York Times made the reunion of separated families the lead story in the international section. The story revealed that anticipation was high that the reunion would lead to extensive North-South economic cooperation and the mitigation of military tension. Still caution was advised due to uncertainty over how long the current thaw would last. In an article written by reporter Stephanie Strom, who expressed her empathy towards the reunion in the Dong-A Ilbo, it was noted that the North Korean families looked more affluent than the relatives in the South. This clearly elucidates the message Kim Jong-Il wanted to deliver.

FAZ ran an editorial on the reunion on the front page, stating that North and South Korea may have different systems but a shared history is being used as a tool to mediate confrontation and hostility. The newspaper noted that North Korea ultimately opened up due to economic problems, but that reunification is not anticipated anytime soon. In view of North Korea`s Stalinist system, considerable time will be needed in order for additional measures to follow.

Citing the Dong-A Ilbo`s editorial, the AFP news service stressed that the reunion itself was very meaningful. But as the last remaining Cold War frontier, a more valuable lesson was earned as the reunion showed reconciliation and peace impossible.