The Hyundai Group says it agonized before deciding to fire Kim Yoon-kyu, who supervised the conglomerate's North Korea operations for 16 years.

On the group's website Monday, Hyundai Chairwoman Hyun Jung-eun wrote that the dismissal was to meant to prevent a scandal involving Kim from damaging Hyundai's reputation.

Though the decision came at an inopportune time with the North Korea tours at a crossroads, she said she chose a clear conscience over dishonest profits.

She added she hopes Pyongyang will believe the passion of Hyundai's management and employees for the group's North Korea business.