The Seoul government is seeking to collect a share of the low-interest loans it has provided for the purpose of assisting companies working on inter-Korean economic cooperation.

The Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of Korea sent letters to 149 out of 168 companies, asking that they refund 5 percent of the loans. The other 19 companies, which invested in Mount Kumgang and the interior region, excluding the Kaesong Industrial Complex, were not included.

“The loan was provided to trade companies and companies which invested in economic cooperation and Mount Kumgang, with the same criteria. The refund demand was sent only to trade companies,