Around 390 South Koreans, consisting of mostly elderly folk, journeyed to North Korea's Diamond Mountain resort on October 20 for an emotional reunion with relatives and loved ones in the North whom they haven't seen in over 60 years. 

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As reunions don't occur very often, it was followed closely by the media, which captured as many touching moments as possible. This is only the first reunion in a series of three, the second of which will progress this coming Saturday through the following Monday. 

This reunion marks the first unification between torn family members since the last one which was held back in February, 2014. While the South uses a randomized system to pick who gets to attend these rare gatherings, the North is apparently more selective, choosing only those who are steadfast in their allegiance to the North's regime. 

Citizens in both the North and South aren't allowed to use any mode of communication--whether it be letters, phone calls, emails, etc.--to contact, or visit the other side. Hence, these reunions are the only way that the two Koreas allow their respective peoples to meet. Many, if not all, of the people who apply for these reunions are elderly folk whose only desire is to see their long-lost loved ones one last time before they pass on. 

The South has proposed for these reunions to be held more frequently; however, the North, paranoid that the image of wealthy South Koreans will weaken and discredit its power in the eyes of its people, has only agreed to these reunions on whim. For now, the North is content employing the reunions as a bargaining tool to negotiate with the South.