North Korea won't be allowed to unilaterally revise rules on the security and safety of South Korean businessmen at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, officials here said Tuesday.

It was belatedly known that Pyongyang notified Seoul in September of its plans to rewrite relevant regulations.

In case South Korean firms withdraw businesses from the zone at the decision of the South's authorities, the North will be able to demand reparation, seize properties, and even detain businessmen involved if needed, according to a draft revision.

"We delivered a position that it's unacceptable," a unification ministry official told reporters. "There has been no additional response from the North on the issue. We are closely monitoring the North's move."

Another official, also speaking on background, said there is no possibility that the North will revise the rules to that effect, as it is a matter to be decided through bilateral consultations and agreement.

The Kaesong complex, launched in 2004, is a result of the historic inter-Korean summit in 2000 and the last remaining major joint venture between the two Koreas. About 120 South Korean garment and other labor-intensive plants employee more than 53,000 North Korean workers there. (Yonhap)