S. Korea demands Kaesong prevention system

SEOUL, July 23 (UPI) -- A South Korean official said the government is adamant in its demand to create solid safeguards to prevent another closing of the factory park in North Korea.

The Kaesong Industrial Complex has been shut down since April when the North withdrew its workers from South Korean companies amid tensions.

The decision has cost South Korean companies more than $941 million.

North and South Korea have held five talks in a bid to reopen the facility, but have not come to an agreement, Yonhap reported.

An official from the Ministry of Unification told reporters South Korea insists on creating a system to prevent North Korea from being able to shut down the facility in the future.

"The North needs to show sincerity on this issue because this is a matter of key interest," the official said.

A sixth round of talks is set for Thursday.