Prospects seem uncertain for future inter-Korean reunions of separated families amid a lull in South-North relations.

An official at South Korea's National Red Cross said the organization planned a reunion this month or next. But, the official said, attempts to talk with the North have gone nowhere.

Since preparations take at least 50 to 60 days, this year’s first reunion is not likely before the end of May.

At the ninth inter-Korean Red Cross talks last December, the two Koreas agreed to allow reunions for about 400 separated family members every year.

Meanwhile, the Unification Ministry's plans to dispatch resident staff to the Mount Geumgang reunion center in North Korea also remain on hold. Despite its plans to send staff in January, Seoul and Pyongyang have not negotiated details such as how many to dispatch and when.