[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid reports that North Korea is demolishing the Haegumgang Hotel in Geumgangsan, owned by Hyundai Asan, the Ministry of Unification announced on the 6th that it had verbally requested an explanation from the North regarding the demolition but has yet to receive a response.
The Ministry of Unification stated, "Last week, through the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office, we requested sufficient explanation from the North regarding the related movements, as South-North agreement is necessary for the demolition and maintenance of Geumgangsan facilities."
Regarding this, the Ministry emphasized its position that "all issues related to Geumgangsan must be resolved through consultation" and verbally conveyed to the North the proposal to start consultations for this purpose; however, there has been no official response from the North yet.
The Ministry of Unification said, "The government has been closely monitoring the developments related to the dismantling of the Haegumgang Hotel and has been in close consultation with relevant agencies and operators," adding, "We will review necessary measures through close consultation with the operators."
The fact that North Korea is recently dismantling the Haegumgang Hotel was revealed through a report by Voice of America (VOA), which analyzed satellite images from the satellite imagery company Planet Labs to report on the progress. According to VOA, a significant portion of the demolition has already been carried out, mainly in the central part of the Haegumgang Hotel, and objects presumed to be building materials are piled up at the front pier.
This action follows the directive of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. During his inspection of Geumgangsan in October 2019, Kim ordered the demolition, saying, "Remove all the shabby South Korean facilities." The demolition was delayed for two years due to COVID-19 but has recently proceeded without separate notification to the South.
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