Deputy Unification Minister Lee Bong-jo says the government will help normalize Hyundai Asan Corporation's tour to North Korea's Mount Geumgang.

In a regular briefing Thursday, Lee expressed regret over the troubled tour and hoped for normalization via understanding and dialogue between the company and the North.

Pyongyang earlier demanded that Hyundai Asan rehire Kim Yoon-kyu as vice chairman or face a reevaluation of the firm's projects in the North.

Lee said the North hinted at a possible resolution when it said it could show generosity by allowing Hyundai to continue the Mount Geumgang tour if the company makes the right decision.