Seoul: South Korea's unification ministry announced on Thursday that North Korea has begun dismantling a reunion facility for separated families within the Mount Kumgang tourist area, urging Pyongyang to immediately cease the activity.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesperson for the South Korean unification ministry, expressed "strong regrets" over North Korea's actions and stated that South Korea is considering legal measures against what it views as an infringement on its property rights. The reunion facility was the last remaining South Korean-owned structure in the Mount Kumgang resort, an area once emblematic of inter-Korean reconciliation, as North Korea has already demolished all other South Korean facilities in the zone.

Koo emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "We express strong regrets over the unilateral demolition and sternly urge North Korea to immediately stop it." He also highlighted that the responsibility for any consequences arising from this incident rests solely with North Korea. The spokesperson condemned the dismantling as inhumane, asserting that it "tramples upon" the aspirations of separated families and violates South Korea's property rights.

The South Korean government is now contemplating a range of actions, including potential legal proceedings and seeking the support of the international community. The facility, a 12-story building, was completed in 2008 with a budget of 51.2 billion won (approximately US$35.2 million) as part of an inter-Korean agreement aimed at facilitating family reunions. The Korean Peninsula has remained divided since the Korean War, which ended in 1953.

As of the end of December, 36,941 South Koreans have registered with the government, expressing their desire to reunite with family members in North Korea. Many others have passed away without having the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones.