hankyoreh

As the release of 22 South Koreans taken hostage in Afghanistan by Taliban militias drags on for the 11th day, the families of those abducted remain gripped by fear and shock, while bracing themselves for a further protraction of the ongoing talks for their family members’ safe return.

On July 29, the family members announced that they had decided to send one letter every day to their loved ones, in a bid to drum up support for the release of the aid workers, who went to the war-stricken Central Asian country to help the people suffering there.

The first letter was written by the 69-year-old mother of Je Chang-hui, who served as an interpreter. “Feeling worried about how you are living in a deep mountain cave, your mom, sisters and relatives have nothing to do except pray for your safe return. May God help you come back unscathed.”

Cha Seong-min, the representative of the abductees’ families, said that these letters will deliver “love and heartbreak” for their loved ones to the Taliban militias.

Many of the abudctees’ families remain shocked and exhausted due to worry over their sons and daughters who were taken hostage in Afghanistan. Some family members have reportedly suffered from headaches and dizziness. They are more concerned about the health of their sons and daughters, however, after one of the hostages who went to serve as an interpreter there, identified as Yu Jeong-hwa, told Reuters on July 28 that they were not in good shape.

In the meantime, funeral preparations for Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu, who was the leader of the aid workers and found killed days after they were kidnapped, have been canceled. “We thought that it would not be right to go ahead with the funeral, while the other workers are still in captivity,” Bae Sin-gyu, his brother, said. “As some officials have said that the body cannot be kept in Afghanistan, we have put all decisions including the schedule for its return in the hands of the government.”

The 23 Korean nationals now held in Afghanistan were taken hostage by Taliban insurgents on July 19. Ongoing talks to gain the hostages’ release, between the Korean government and the leaders of the various factions holding the hostages, have continued past numerous deadlines set by the militia; the latest was reported to be 4:30pm this afternoon. Meanwhile, concern for the health of the remaining hostages has risen amidst fears that they lack basic necessities and may be suffering from extreme stress.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]