Seoul may let female group cross the DMZ

South Korea said on Wednesday that it is leaning towards supporting a proposed walk across the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas by prominent women, including Gloria Steinem, in what is planned to be a call for the reunification of the two countries.

The government plans to approve the scheduled walk next month if it confirms North Korea’s official support for the event, said Lim Byeong Cheol, a spokesman for the Unification Ministry, which handles affairs related to North Korea.

Organizers of the effort, called WomenCrossDMZ.org, said earlier that they had received permission from Pyongyang. The South Korean government has yet to confirm whether North Korea sent an official invitation to the women or expressed its support for the event to the UN Command at the DMZ.

Organizers plan to have 30 women cross from North Korea to South Korea on May 24, which is International Women’s Day for Disarmament.

A spokesman from the UN Command, who didn’t want to be named citing official rules, said it usually approves civilian crossings when they are supported by both Koreas.

A group of 32 Korean-Russians crossed the zone by motorcade last year after gaining permission from both sides.

AP