The government has awarded medals to South Korean citizens and businessmen who have promoted inter-Korean relations, marking the first time it's recognized contributions from the private sector.

The Unification Ministry held an awards ceremony Thursday for 24 people including Kim Ki-moon, the president of the Romanson watch company, which operates at the Gaesong Industrial Complex. It also recognized Kim Il-joo, the head of Dongposarang, an institute supporting North Korean escapees.

The ministry added that the awardees include leaders of inter-Korean cultural exchange groups, business leaders of companies operating in the inter-Korean industrial complex and heads of civic groups supporting North Korean escapees.