S. Koreans Mark War’s Anniversary
South Korea marked the 44th anniversary Saturday of the outbreak of the Korean War with low-key public ceremonies but mounting backstage activity aimed at breaking half a century of bitter national division.
Veterans gathered at Seoul’s National Cemetery to honor the millions killed in the 1950-53 conflict, which confirmed the post-World War II division of the peninsula into capitalist South and Communist North.
Thousands attended a rally in the capital’s Olympic Park calling for peaceful unification of the two Koreas.
This year’s anniversary comes at a time of mounting hopes that faltering steps toward reconciliation might this time produce results.
North Korea on Saturday notified the South of the names of a high-powered delegation that will meet Seoul officials Tuesday in a bid to arrange a historic summit meeting between the presidents of the two Koreas.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
