The government is considering responses to North Korea's prolonged detention of a South Korean worker in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

The Unification Ministry said Monday that the government believes the issue is serious and is deliberating on a number of ways to resolve the case, but did not elaborate.

Ministry spokeswoman Lee Jong-joo said North Korea's denial of the detainee’s basic rights, such as the presence of a defense lawyer, are unfair and inhumane acts in violation of inter-Korean agreements and international practices.

Pyongyang detained the male employee, identified by his surname Yoo, at the industrial site on March 30th for allegedly criticizing the regime and trying to persuade a local female worker to defect.