4 Years Since Kaesong Industrial Complex Closure... "Government Must Immediately Announce Reopening"

On the 10th, marking the 4th anniversary of the Kaesong Industrial Complex closure, participants are marching toward the Government Seoul Office to deliver a related letter to the Ministry of Unification during the "4th Anniversary of Kaesong Industrial Complex Closure, Joint Press Conference Urging Resumption" held near the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, hosted by the National Movement Headquarters for the Resumption of Kaesong Industrial Complex and Mount Kumgang Tourism and the Kaesong Industrial Complex Business Association. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] “The United States should not block inter-Korean cooperation. The government must immediately declare the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.”

On the 4th anniversary of the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, resident companies and the National Movement Headquarters held a joint press conference titled ‘4 Years Since the Closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, Urging Reopening’ on the 10th at Gwanghwamun Square near the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, demanding this.

In their press statement, they said, “Companies and partner firms that trusted the government’s policy and operated there have suffered fatal losses,” adding, “It is a time when more active and bold measures are needed for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.”

They continued, “The UN Command, operated and managed under U.S. leadership, controls every aspect of the Kyungui Line and Donghae Line transit issues agreed upon by the North and South, and even interferes with non-military access, which is problematic,” emphasizing, “We clearly state that North Korea policy is a matter of sovereignty and should be decided by us.”

Furthermore, they said, “Inter-Korean cooperation is not a reward for North Korea’s denuclearization measures but a project that the North and South must jointly promote for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula,” adding, “If the U.S. truly wishes for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, it should not obstruct cooperation between the North and South but provide maximum support.”

After the press conference, they moved to the Seoul Government Complex and handed a letter to the Ministry of Unification officials to be sent to the North.

Meanwhile, the Kaesong Industrial District Support Foundation plans to hold a ‘Kaesong Industrial Complex Reopening Rally’ on the 11th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Members’ Meeting Room, with over 200 participants from various sectors related to inter-Korean affairs, urging public interest.