Vice Unification Minister Shin Un-sang says the government will bring back South Korean prisoners of war and abductees alive in North Korea no matter what the financial cost.

On a KBS radio program Monday, Shin said the matter cannot be delayed further, hinting at humanitarian measures which could include expenses.

Urging public understanding, he said no measures have yet been decided but ruled out cash payments to the North.

He declined comment on if Seoul will propose a plan on the POWs and abductees at the inter-Korean ministerial talks opening on April 21st in Pyongyang.