South and North Korea are known to be working to open a joint inter-Korean communications office on the upcoming anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. 

A source with intimate knowledge of North Korea said on Thursday that preparations are being made to launch the liaison office within the Gaeseong Industrial Complex on Independence Day, which is August 15th. Opening a liaison office within the complex is stipulated by the Panmunjom Declaration reached during the historic inter-Korean summit in April. 

Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung said on Thursday that the North has agreed to create the liaison office within the inter-Korean exchange and cooperation discussion office in the joint industrial park in the North's border city Gaeseong. 

The source said the South Korean government is reviewing a plan to put a vice minister-level official in charge of the South Korean staff at the liaison office, but added a director-level official could also take up the post. 

The source said the final decision will be made after more consultations with the North. 

[Photo : YONHAP News]