CRI听力:All S. Koreans Withdraw from Joint Factory Park with N. Korea

South Korea made the decision to halt operations of the Kaesong Industrial Complex on Wednesday.

On Thursday, all of the 280 South Koreans employees left the factory park and returned to their home country.

All of assets of South Korean companies running factories there have now been frozen completely.

Kim Nam-Sik, chairman of the Kaesong industrial management committee, said it was regrettable that North Korea had decided to freeze assets of companies operating there.

"It is regrettable that North Korea unilaterally froze assets and expelled people. The management committee worked closely with relevant bodies and focused on a safe return of our people. We dealt with this well so that all people could return safely," he told journalists during a news conference.

South Korea's Defense Ministry Spokesperson Moon Sang-Gyun says the military is on stand-by for any emergencies.

"Putting our people's safety as a top priority, our military is fully prepared to deal with any contingency which can happen at the Kaesong Industrial Complex."

Some South Korean workers say they are worried about their job prospects after being prevented from return with their manufacturing materials and other important items.

"I couldn't bring products from Kaesong. I have mixed feelings. What should I do for a living from now on? I'm troubled by this."

The complex generated more than 110 million US dollars in wages and fees for North Korea last year.

South Korea suspects the North has been spending the money from the complex on its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

One South Korean resident near the industrial park says he supports the shutting down of the complex.

"North Korea has caused many problems, but the South Korean government tried to maintain its policy silently. I personally agree with this action to halt the operation of the joint industrial park. It should be a chance for North Korea to realize its wrongdoings."

As of late last year, the complex hosted 124 South Korean companies, employing nearly 55-thousand North Koreans.

Seoul's decision to shut down the factory park came in the wake of Pyongyang's long-range rocket launch on Sunday.

For CRI, this is Luo Wen.