Government: "North Korea's Unauthorized Operation of Kaesong Industrial Complex... Multifaceted Response Including Legal Measures"

The government stated that it is reviewing various measures, including legal action, to hold North Korea accountable for the unauthorized operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

At a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th, Koo Byung-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said, "We are examining multiple ways to hold North Korea responsible for the illegal unauthorized operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex," adding, "However, it is not yet the stage to disclose specific measures."

Koo Byung-sam, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, answering questions [Photo by Yonhap News]

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Regarding concerns about the legal effectiveness raised by some, he explained, "Since Kim Jong-un assumed power, North Korea has designated more than 20 economic zones, most of which are trade zones or tourism zones," and added, "It would be good if North Korea could fully understand what it means to itself to disregard the most basic foundations of trade and external cooperation necessary for economic development."

Spokesperson Koo's remarks imply that although legal actions against North Korea have clear limitations in terms of enforceability, the government intends to widely publicize North Korea's disregard for the fundamentals of international investment to the international community, thereby negatively impacting North Korea's ability to attract overseas investment. In other words, even if the government's legal response may seem ineffective at first, it can exert pressure on North Korea.

Furthermore, the government believes that North Korea is currently operating about 20 factories within the Kaesong Industrial Complex without authorization. As part of the legal response, it is reported that the government is considering filing a lawsuit holding North Korea accountable for the unauthorized operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, with plaintiffs including the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the trustee of the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund, and the Kaesong Industrial District Support Foundation, a government-affiliated public institution responsible for managing and operating the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Meanwhile, regarding observations that General Jang Chang-ha (Director of the National Defense Science Institute), who gave the launch order in the recently revealed launch scene of the solid-fuel propelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-18,' appears to be the head of the Missile General Bureau, Spokesperson Koo said, "We are monitoring the situation." He added, "Although the Missile General Bureau flag has been identified since February this year and continues to be reported, North Korean authorities have not officially confirmed the person in charge."

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