The assumption you are making is that it is permanent. I could see it going either way. Maybe Kim told him that things were going to be tight for 2 or 3 months. Informed him that they would have to put his employment on hold. Maybe telling him that they understand if he finds other employment, and he would be hugely missed as that isn't the goal. Just need to conserve resources for a while.
I just don't know if it is temporary/permanent yet. I think this is probably not the case, knowing Kim somewhat... but I could see it happening.