A U.S. expert on North Korea says the temporary shutdown of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex could provide a breakthrough in the South Korean government’s policies on the North.

Senior Adviser and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Victor Cha, made the assessment during a news briefing Thursday that discussed President Park Geun-hye's meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama next week.

Cha said if Park manages to get even one promise from the North regarding the inter-Korean Gaeseong industrial park, she would secure the political space to move forward.

He explained the window for dialogue could open if there is a sign North Korea will make any kind of change in its position, noting that change may not necessarily be a concession.