South Korea’s new government should work to re-open inter-Korean economic projects, but must make sure hard currency does not fall into the hands of the regime and that international sanctions are respected, Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) Director Son Gi-woong told NK News in an extended interview at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in early June.

“Unlike the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tour, the South should stay away from providing any hard currency to the North,” he said. “It may be used in weapon development.”

Dr. Son, who was recently appointed the 15th director of