S. Korea, U.S. have different views on resuming Kaesong complex

S. Korea, U.S. have different views on resuming Kaesong complex. August. 02, 2018 07:09. lightee@donga.com.
The Trump administration has reconfirmed its negative position with respect to resuming the Kaesong Industrial Complex, but the Sound Korean Ministry of Unification sent its deputy minister to Mt. Kumgang after announcing its position to resume the complex at the earliest date possible. Some people raise concern that mutual assistance between Seoul and Washington may face difficulties in terms of speed and level of inter-Korean economic development even when the North’s new ICBM development has been confirmed.

Voice of America (VOA) delivered that the U.S. State of Department supports “the decision to close the Gaesong Industrial Complex” as a response to North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun report urging to re-operate the Kaesong Industrial Complex and resume Mt. Kumgang tour on Tuesday.

“We believe that Gaesong Industrial Complex should resume as soon as possible,” Unification Ministry deputy spokesperson Lee Yu-jin said at a regular briefing on the same day the U.S. State of Department revealed its position. Deputy Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung visited North Korea to inspect the site of repair and management of South Korean facilities around Mt. Kumgang. Although the ministry claimed that the purpose of the visit was to prepare for the reunion of separated families to be held on August 20, many see this as an effort for the resumption of the Mt. Kumgang tour.