Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok vows there will be no halt to the inter-Korean industrial complex in Gaesong, North Korea, regardless of any political changes on the Korean peninsula.

Visiting the complex Tuesday for the first time since he took office in February, Lee said Seoul will not hesitate to take measures to help the complex become an "epicenter of Northeast Asian peace."

The minister was briefed on the operations at the complex management office and toured South Korean companies doing business there.

Lee's visit, which comes amid U.S. criticism about the working conditions of North Korean workers at the complex, is apparently meant to reaffirm Seoul’s commitment to the project.

Hyundai Asan Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, Korea Land Corporation Vice President Kwon Jae-wook and a group of reporters accompanied Lee to Gaesong.