The Unification Ministry says it will respond resolutely to even the slightest harm done to South Korean nationals who are currently working at the Gaeseong Industrial Park in North Korea near the inter-Korean border.

Ministry spokeswoman Lee Jong-ju told reporters that North Korea’s linking South Korea’s resumption of loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts into North Korea in areas near the military demarcation line with the safety of South Korean nationals at the Gaeseong Industrial Park is unacceptable.

Lee added that Seoul’s basic stance is to maintain the Gaeseong Industrial Park and that in order for that to happen the North must ensure the safety of South Koreans at the complex.

Lee said that punitive measures Seoul announced on Monday in response to North Korea’s sinking of the “Cheonan” warship would be pursued resolutely and without fail, regardless of threats from Pyongyang.