North Korea has rejected South Korea’s proposal to hold talks, calling the invitation a mockery.

North Korea's National Defense Commission said in a statement Friday afternoon that it may pursue final, decisive and grave measures before the South takes action concerning halted operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

Delivering the statement, North Korean media also said that if the South is concerned about the safety of South Korean workers in the complex, it should withdraw all its workers from the North. While stressing that its future course of action depends on Seoul's attitude on the issue, the North also said that it will guarantee South Koreans' safe return home.

The statement was in response to Seoul’s ultimatum for working-level talks Thursday, which conditioned that Pyongyang must respond to the invitation by Friday morning. Seoul's Unification Ministry said that it may take significant action if Pyongyang refuses to discuss the issue.

Attention is now focused on what kind of action South Korea will take following the North’s rejection for talks.

Shortly after North Korea's rejection, President Park Geun-hye began discussing the issue with her foreign relations and security related ministers. During the meeting she said no matter what kind of conclusion the government reaches, it must work to guarantee that the companies in Gaeseong are revived.

South Korean companies with factories in the Gaeseong complex are also expected to hold a meeting at 4 p.m. Friday. A key official of the Corporate Association of Gaeseong Industrial Complex said that its members are discussing the safety of 175 South Korean workers in the North and what options to take after the two Koreas announce their measures on the issue.