A representative of South Korean companies that formerly operated in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex said Friday that they will call for the legislation of a special law that enables them to receive compensation for the assets they left behind at the inter-Korean factory park.

Chairman Jeong Gi-seob of the Corporate Association of Gaeseong Industrial Complex made the remark during a press conference in Seoul, responding to the North’s announcement on Thursday that it will liquidate all South Korean assets at Gaeseong.

Jeong said he was appealing to the two Koreas for the thorough protection of the South Korean companies at Gaeseong.

The association plans to hold a marching rally at the Imjingak Pavilion near the inter-Korean border next Wednesday to urge the South Korean government to enact the special act on the compensation for Gaeseong firms.

During the press conference, Jeong also said the committee hopes to visit North Korea to retrieve finished products and raw materials left behind at the complex if the South Korean government approves the visit.

He added that it appeared the North planned to confiscate the assets of Gaeseong companies under the pretext of overdue salaries for North Korean employees for their work between January and February fifth.

The chairman said he will submit a request to visit the North on March 21st after the ongoing Seoul-Washington joint Key Resolve military exercise wraps up.