Seoul Urges Pyongyang to Re-Open Kaesong Industrial Complex

South Korea recently sent out a strong warning to its rival in the North and warned of the possibility of “grave measures” should the latter not acquiesce to discuss the re-opening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which has been closed for almost one month now. The complex is located in North Korea just a few miles north of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that divides the two territories.

Seoul Kim Hyung-suk, a spokesman of the Unification Ministry clarified that an ultimatum has been set. Pyongyang has until Friday morning to respond. Observers say that this imposition will likely anger Pyongyang.

Priority: Resolution of humanitarian issues

South Korea is hoping that formal talks would pave the way for the resumption of operations of the factory zone. Spokesman Kim Hyung-suk said that the government’s proposition is geared to the urgent resolution of humanitarian issues that currently assail the workers of the industrial zone. Seoul is hoping for working-level talks to ensue at the soonest possible time so that the future of the industrial complex, a major income provider for North Korea, would be decided on.

Punitive measures unclear

A few weeks ago, North Korea has refused workers and supply vehicles from South Korea access to the complex. The rationale for this action is said to stem from accusations that South Korea is using the industrial zone to insult Pyongyang’s incumbent leadership. North Korea is putting the blame on the South for jeopardizing their joint project.

It was not specified what the consequences were but there is much speculation that one of the measures that Seoul might resort to is withdrawing South Korean managers that reside near the complex to safeguard assets that total almost $900 million. There are around 180 workers who chose to stay within the complex. It has been confirmed that they are running out of supplies. People are already suffering and firms are losing revenues, according to a source. In better times, around 700 South Koreans worked at the complex.

Income source

The workers from North Korea who were withdrawn from the complex when it closed numbered 53,000 in all. When it was operational, Kaesong Industrial Complex provided a steady income to the impoverished North. Around 123 industries were housed in the complex. For every employed North Korean citizen, the 123 South Korean manufacturers paid $130 each month to the state.

Hoping for a breakthrough

Before the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, it served as a channel between the warring North and South. But when it was forced to stop operating and was directed to close, tensions increased in the peninsula even more. This formal proposal from Seoul is the first step made by any side to work through the deadlock.

Ban Ki-Moon, the South Korean Secretary-General of the United Nations has expressed utmost concern with regard to the humanitarian and economic implications of Kaesong’s closure. The Secretary General has openly expressed his hopes that a resolution be reached soon by the ROK (Republic of Korea) and the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). He adds that he hopes that a dialogue would eventually lead to the resumption of operations of the industrial complex.