Unification Minister Kim Ha-joong said that the government has not ruled out the possibility that North Korea may fully shut down the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, although the chances are slim.

The minister made the comment at a parliamentary session on Wednesday, citing North Korea's threat that the planned expulsion of some South Korean workers is only the first of many measures the North plans to pursue.

Kim also said that if the North shuts down the complex, the government is prepared to pay up to 250 billion won in compensation to the companies operating in Gaeseong.