The government says it will consider lifting its restrictions on the staff levels South Korean firms can maintain at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea.

Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung told reporters Monday that Seoul is aware that South Korean firms operating in the industrial park are facing difficulties due to the measure.

He said that although the government will consider lifting the measure, a significant development on the matter is unlikely to emerge under the current conditions.

Seoul put the measure in place to guarantee the safety of South Koreans in the industrial park.

As part of its stern measures against North Korea for its attack on the “Cheonan” naval vessel, the government had businesses operating in Gaeseong keep their staff levels at a maximum of 500 workers.

Since then, firms in Gaeseong have repeatedly urged the government to lift or ease the measures, citing hardships resulting from a lack of manpower.

Chun also said that Seoul is currently not considering proposing talks with Pyongyang under the current conditions.