The ruling and opposition parties denounced North Korea for its ban on South Koreans from entering the inter-Korean Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

Spokesman Lee Sang-il of the ruling Saenuri Party said that the North’s move to disrupt the operations of the Gaeseong complex is the same as inflicting injury to itself. Lee stressed that the industrial complex is a symbol of cooperation and co-existence between the two Koreas,

He said that the ban will not only undermine a stable operation of the industrial park, but also the little trust North Korea had earned from South Korea.

Spokesman Park Yong-jin of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) said that he regrets the North’s move, which is escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula. Park added that the North's latest move is a stumbling block in easing tension and expanding trade and exchange in the region.

Park also stressed that the Gaeseong Industrial Complex is a symbol of inter-Korean exchange and reconciliation where real economic benefits are created, adding that it is wrong to affect the area in light of political reasons.