(VOVworld) – North and South Korea moved a step closer to a rare reunion of families separated for decades by the Korean War by exchanging lists of candidates for the event.

A South Korean man waves to his North Korean relatives from the window of a bus following a family reunion at the resort area of Mount Kumgang, North Korea. AFP Photo

 The South Korean Unification Ministry said Red Cross officials from both sides met in the border truce village of Panmunjom and exchanged lists to confirm that candidates still have living relatives on the other side.

Following talks in August, Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to hold a reunion for separated families at the North's Mount Kumgang resort from October 20 to 26.

Seoul asked Pyongyang to confirm the status of relatives living in North Korea of 250 South Koreans, and the DPRK called for similar confirmation for 200 of its citizens. After ensuring that the relatives are still alive and are willing to attend the reunion, both sides will trade final lists on Thursday of 100 people from each side who will participate in the event.