March 29, 2024
Evergreen

The owner who stayed: A Kaesong SME rebuilds post-closure

While many have moved abroad, one small business patiently waits for KIC to reopen

To make up for their losses following the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) back in early February, 44 of the 124 small and medium enterprises (SME) that once saw the area as a major production hub found financial security blankets abroad.

And though it may make perfect economic sense for these SMEs to seek alternative sources in production facilities like China and Cambodia, where labor costs for textile manufacturing and food production are still relatively cheap, one owner tells NK News that an overseas move would be an impractical venture for his business.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.