2023-04-18 06:34:00
ⓒ JoongAng Ilbo / JoongAng Ilbo Japanese version2023.04.18 15:34
In connection with the JoongAng Ilbo’s independent report that it was confirmed that North Korea was operating about 30 factories owned by South Korean companies in the Kaesong Industrial Complex without permission, the South Korean Ministry of Unification said on the 18th, “More than in the past. It is true that many North Korean workers are going to work (at the Kaesong Industrial Complex),” he said, adding, “In response to North Korea’s infringement of the property rights of South Korean companies, the government will provide necessary compensation to North Korea, even if it takes time. I will demand it,” he said.
When asked about the matter by a reporter on the same day, an Unification Ministry official said, “It is difficult to reveal the specific names of companies and the number of related companies.” He did not deny that he did. He then emphasized, “We are closely examining countermeasures, including legal measures.”
Prior to this, Minister of Unification Kwon Yong-se said on the 11th that North Korea’s unauthorized use of South Korean facilities was “infringement of property rights” and that “in order to be held accountable for illegal acts.” We will take all possible measures, including legal action.”
Radio Free Asia (RFA) also reported on the same day that the unauthorized use of Kaesong facilities was confirmed by satellite photos. According to reports, a private satellite photography company, Planet Lab, confirmed four heat-generating areas in a photograph taken by a thermal infrared satellite on February 24 of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. is an analysis by RFA.
Cheong Seong-hak, deputy director of Kyungpook University’s National Land and Satellite Information Research Institute, told RFA, “One manufacturing factory building is particularly red, and it emits a high temperature of about 12 degrees.” “This is because the facility is active. It is suspected that it is in operation.”
But what has been confirmed is just the tip of the iceberg. It is reported that the intelligence authorities have already learned that North Korea is operating about 30 factories in the Kaesong Industrial Complex by using the military’s photographic equipment. There were 125 companies in the Kaesong Industrial Complex, but the 30 factories that North Korea is currently operating are estimated to be the maximum that North Korea can operate considering the power supply and demand in the Kaesong area.
According to a source familiar with the matter, North Korea is operating South Korean facilities in the Kaesong Industrial Complex without permission, and is currently producing mainly lucrative electrical and electronic products. Some of the illegally produced goods are sold at department stores in Pyongyang, and some are exported via China and Russia to earn foreign currency.
1681817699
#Secretly #operating #Kaesong #industrial #complex #caught #South #Korean #Unification #Department #Demand #compensation #North #takes #time #Joongang #Ilbo #JoongAng #Ilbo