Kim's illness feeds hopes of Korea reunification

South Koreans with family ties in North Korea gathered Sunday on the bank of the river that divides the two countries, as they have for many years on Thanksgiving day, to pay their mournful respects to relatives across the border.

This year, reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has suffered a stroke raised hopes among the families that an end to his repressive regime might be near.

"I clapped my hands in joy when I watched the news of Kim's illness on television," said Jung Hwa-ja, 75, who was born in North Korea. "I hope that Kim Jong Il will die soon so I can go to my hometown in the North."

Kim's failure to appear …