Tears Across the Decades: North and South Korean Relatives Meet for Brief Reunions

Relatives from families divided for decades between North and South Korea were allowed to meet one another again briefly in a rare example of cooperation between the two countries. Millions of families were separated by the Korean War, which ended in an armistice in 1953.

For many of those taking part, this was probably the last time they'll see each other. The brief, painfully emotional reunions — the first since late 2010 — are unlikely to be repeated anytime soon. Neither country has ever allowed a second chance for people to meet their relatives across the border. Both sides bar ordinary citizens from visiting each other and even exchanging phone calls, letters and emails.

North Korea reportedly chooses only citizens seen as loyal for the reunions, while South Korea uses a computerised lottery system to pick participants.