Jun Ji-hye, a reporter at the finance desk of The Korea Times, focuses primarily on economic policy and government agencies, mainly covering the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service. She previously covered financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, and earlier worked on the political, city and business desks, reporting on a wide range of issues.
Moon proposes meeting with Park on Gaeseong
By Jun Ji-hye
DUP leader Moon Hee-sang
By Jun Ji-hye
Moon Hee-sang, chairman of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP), has proposed President Park Geun-hye meet with heads of the ruling and opposition parties to discuss ways to solve the Gaeseong Industrial Complex issue, Monday.
He asked Park to meet before she leaves for the United States on May 5.
“For the DUP, the most significant task is to maintain the operation of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. We are obliged to prevent it from shutdown, whatever may happen,” Moon said at a press conference in the National Assembly.
“A summit between Korea and the U.S. slated for May 7 will become a watershed to improve inter-Korean relations and establish peace on the Korea Peninsula. So, I ask Park to discuss these matters before visiting Washington.”
He said the complex has been a symbol of peace, reconciliation and cooperation between two Koreas for a decade.
“The complex is the last path where South and North can talk. If it closes down, it will mean misfortune for people,” he said.
The DUP leader called on the government to be patient when dealing with matters related to North Korea and approach them with a long-range view, saying inter-Korean problems are not able to be sorted in a day.
“I also urge Pyongyang to immediately agree to talk with Seoul,” he said.
Moon’s request came three days after the government decided to withdraw all South Korean workers from Gaeseong in response to the communist country’s refusal to talk. On Saturday, 126 workers returned to the South, followed by 50 field supervisors Monday, the last group of South Koreans in the park.
The ruling Saenuri Party also raised concern over the possible full shutdown of the complex, blaming the Stalinist state for the current stalemate.
“The Gaeseong complex is now de facto closed since its construction began in June 2003. The North will have to take full responsibility for this unfortunate situation,” said Rep. Lee Sang-il, the ruling party spokesman.
Lee claimed the North broke their promise and displayed senseless behavior regarding the operation of the complex.
“The North will have to face up to reality as their international isolation will deepen following their inhumane and preposterous behavior,” he said.
The spokesman stressed the South Korean government always keeps the door open for conversation in order to prevent situations from deteriorating further.
“Even now it is not too late. I demand the North accepts Seoul’s offer for working-level talks to normalize the Gaeseong Industrial Complex,” he said.
Operations in Gaeseong have been suspended since early this month.