The Unification Ministry on Friday dismissed as "absurd" a Hyundai Asan Corporation internal audit that a former executive embezzled money from the inter-Korean cooperation fund.

The ministry said it will look into how the conclusion was made to uncover the truth behind the scandal involving Kim Yoon-kyu, adding it could ask for a copy of the report if necessary.

The government lent or gave 230 billion won to Hyundai's Mount Geumgang tour project through the state-run Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Eximbank and the Public Procurement Office.

A ministry official said the inter-Korean fund went to buy facilities near the mountain and pave roads.