In the Field: Hear from CNN reporters across the globe Blog Archive - Hopes rise for family reunion «

February 26, 2008

Posted: 1029 GMT

PYONGYANG, North Korea - When I first found out I was going with the New York Philharmonic to Pyongyang, North Korea, I started thinking about what kinds of stories I could do and immediately I thought of my own family.

I wouldn’t normally do a story on my family, but this seemed like the right time. My family is just one of thousands of families who suffered through during the Korean War – which ultimately divided North and South Korea. So in telling my family’s story, I am in some small way telling the story of the Korean people.

For me, this has also been a way for me to learn about my family history and that learning experience has been invaluable and often emotional. My parents were born in Seoul, South Korea, but they were forced to flee the city when the communist North invaded the South in 1950.

During the course of the war, two of my dad’s uncles disappeared. We still don’t know what happened to them, but we believe they are living in North Korea and my goal is to find them while I’m there.I’ve even written a letter to the North Korean government asking for their help.

I’ve just interviewed my 90-year-old grandmother and my parents, who traveled from the States to meet me in Seoul and help me with this story.My grandmother talked about how my family suffered during the Korean War and how she starved to feed her four children.

It was at this point that I saw my dad cry for only the second time in my life. My grandmother also told me if I do get to meet these long lost relatives, please tell them that she’s still alive and healthy and that the rest of the family is doing well. I’m not sure how likely it is that I’ll find my relatives once I arrive in North Korea, but my mother envisions the day they can travel freely to the South for a family reunion. In her words, it’ll take “a miracle,” to find them, but we still have hope.

You can watch my package here

Posted by: Alina Cho, CNN New York general assignment correspondent
Filed under: General

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Renee

February 26th, 2008 1401 GMT

Hi Alina:

It was nice to see your dispatch and your family's journey. My father was in the Korean War. Recently I had the opportunity to look at all of his pictures and memoirs from the War. One of the takeaways that I had from his documentation was the kindness of the Korean people. Yes, the war was bad but it was the kindness and the love of all the Korean people that really kept all the GI's going during the war. I have pictures of him in ordinary people's homes. The Koreans made small gifts for the men and always had a meal for them when they were on respite. My father was proud to serve in the war and give freedom and opportunities to families. Never give up hope finding your uncles. I am glad you had the opportunity to make this journey.

Paul Tubbs

February 26th, 2008 1732 GMT

Yours is a wonderful story, documenting the strength of the human spirit. With all my heart, I wish you success in locating your relatives and I sincerely hope that they will be allowed to visit all your relatives in South Korea.

David S.

February 26th, 2008 2222 GMT

Hi Alina -

I pray that you can connect with your family in the North. My maternal grandfather, who is 87 years old, is from the north and he, at his old age, is holding out hope that he also can see his long-lost family up there before the end of his life.

If not, it's still good to see fother Korean-Americans gaining access to DPRK for the opportunity to retrace their roots. Godspeed.

Hwacha Cull

February 27th, 2008 540 GMT

I hope that you have a wonderful journey to the North Korea. I also hope that you will find your family. I watch your morning show every day. As Korean woman, the story is very interesting, especially, the North Korea. Just as your mother said, it will be a miracle if the North Korea will ever open their mind and their heart to the South Korean so we can freely travel. I always wonder if I have any family in North Korea also. It will be wonderful if we can have a peaceful one country. However, we can still hope that one day, maybe, North Korea will open thier door to the world.

jorge covarrubias ramirez

February 28th, 2008 234 GMT

I send my best regard,and my congratulation for your strong spirit, dignity, and I hope you finally meet your family. As you can see music produces miracles. I´m from Chile and from this far country all my respect for you, and I wish with all my heart, all your dreams come true.

kingsley

March 14th, 2008 1725 GMT

hillary should leave obama alone and face her campaign-it is very bad that democrat are disorgarnize-it is a shame to them... the should learn from republican on how to act and behave.......... kingsley cikity

Pure Acai

August 26th, 2008 128 GMT

Nice bog you have here. I pretty much lurk the internet when I'm bored and read all I can about the organic lifestyle, but I really liked you view on things. I'll bookmark the site and subscribe to the feed!

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Hear from CNN reporters across the globe. "In the Field" is a unique blog that will let you share the thoughts and observations of CNN's award-winning international journalists from their far-flung bureaus or on assignment. Whether it's from conflict zone, a summit gathering, or the path least traveled, "In the Field" gives you a personal, front row seat to CNN's global newsgathering team.