On August 14^th, North and South Korean officials reinvigorated inter-Korean relations by reaching an agreement on restarting operations at the Kaesong Industrial Complex. The joint business venture had been immobilized since April 9^th, when North Korea withdrew its labor force following heightened tensions on the peninsula. Other avenues for cooperation have since then been cautiously explored. While tamping down its rhetoric, Pyongyang accepted Seoul’s calls to set up working-level negotiations on reuniting family members separated due to the Korean War. At the same time, the North indicated its willingness to resume South Korean tours to Mount Kumgang in the North.

MUTUAL COOPERATION, MUTUAL BENEFIT?