hankyoreh

A group of ranking North Korean officials are reportedly visiting the industrial complex in the border city of Kaesong, or Gaeseong, leading some observers to speculate that Kim Jong-il, the leader of the communist country, may also eventually join. On July 7, Choe Seung-chul, a high ranking North Korean official involved in inter-Korean relations, toured the complex.

The Kaesong industrial complex was established following the 2000 inter-Korean summit and is the result of improved inter-Korean relations on the peninsula . Over 11,000 North Korean workers are employed by dozens of South Korean companies producing garments, utensils and other labor-intensive goods.

A source close to North Korea affairs said on July 10 that in addition to high-ranking officials involved in inter-Korean relations, close aides to the country’s leader are currently in the Kaesong complex. “Many others are likely to follow suit,” the source said. The source declined to reveal the names of those who are currently visiting the Kaesong complex, citing the sensitive nature of the information.

Choe Seung-chul, who had been to the industrial complex on June 7, reportedly also visited two South Korean companies doing business in the Kaesong complex during his stay there.

Against this backdrop, the North has on June 9 asked the South to delay all South Korean visits to the industrial complex for this week, not specifying the reason for the demand except that it came from the higher ranks of government. Approximately 100 South Korean government officials and reporters were to visit there on July 10, while 150 executive officials of local financial companies and 160 businesspeople were to join the group on July 11 and 12, respectively.

However, some observers say that since the North has not announced Kim’s on-site inspection in advance, it is very likely that Pyongyang will keep his visit to the complex from being disclosed this time as well.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]