MOSCOW, April 17 (RIA Novosti) - North Korea has denied entry to South Korean businessmen who wanted to visit a jointly-run industrial complex located in the border city of Kaesong, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
"Pyongyang has sent a notice that it can't agree [to the South Korean businessmen's visit to Kaesong]. It is very regrettable," the agency said, citing a statement from the South Korean Ministry of Unification.
According to the agency, the businessmen intended to bring food and check their facilities at the complex, where over 200 South Koreans are currently working.
Tensions rose sharply on the Korean Peninsula in December after North Korea tested a long-range Taepodong 2 missile, and again in February when it carried out its third nuclear test. The start of joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States last month further irritated the North, which threatened to carry out a nuclear attack on the US mainland, as well as on US forces in the region.