Kim Du-kwan, Chu Mi-ae, and Chung Sye-kyun Agree on "Internationalization of Kaesong Industrial Complex"... Also Propose Vaccine Hub

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Voices calling for the internationalization of the Kaesong Industrial Complex emerged during the Democratic Party presidential primary debate. When Representative Kim Du-kwan mentioned it, former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae and former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed their agreement. There was also a suggestion to make it a hub for vaccine production.

On the 11th, at the KBS debate, Representative Kim said, "I hope for the reopening through the internationalization of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. If not only our companies but also companies from the US, Japan, and China entered simultaneously, would the Park Geun-hye administration have been able to unilaterally shut down the complex?" and asked for other candidates' opinions.

In response, former Minister Chu said, "If the international community jointly invests, it might reduce risk factors. It seems like a good idea."

Former Prime Minister Chung also said, "I deeply agree with the internationalization of the Kaesong Industrial Complex," adding, "I have proposed building a vaccine hub base to advance into innovative industries such as bio. Creating a vaccine hub could lead peace on the Korean Peninsula to world peace and realize the value of internationalization."

Representative Kim also emphasized the need for the early recovery of wartime operational control (OPCON). He said, "Even if the South and North want to do well, it is difficult due to international relations, and one of the obstacles is not having OPCON."

Former Minister Chu said, "While strengthening the ROK-US alliance, the early recovery of OPCON allows us as a sovereign nation to manage and plan our peace," adding, "It is also very important for resolving inter-Korean relations."

Representative Park Yong-jin said, "It is said that Japan should be positioned as a subordinate partner in the ROK-US alliance," and asked former Minister Chu's opinion, saying, "If we stand tall as an economic powerhouse, we can place Japan under the ROK-US military security strategy."

Former Minister Chu replied, "The effort to recover OPCON early also considers the possibility of Japan's misjudgment," adding, "We must be able to proactively manage inter-Korean relations and prevent Japan from entering our territorial waters. The recovery of OPCON is very important for completing sovereignty."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.