North Korea has threatened to shut down the inter-Korean industrial complex in Kaesong, located in the southwestern part of the country.

The jointly-run industrial park is a symbol of cooperation between the 2 Koreas. Some 50,000 North Koreans work for South Korean firms operating in the complex.

Officials in Pyongyang said on Saturday that the country will close the industrial park without hesitation if South Korea undermines the North's dignity. The officials were apparently referring to the South's joint military drills currently taking place with the United States.

The North's cabinet bureau in charge of the Kaesong complex issued the warning via state-run media.

The media statement also said North Korea has maintained operations at the industrial complex out of consideration for South Korean firms and the fate of the complex hinges on the South's behavior.

The Kaesong complex is an important means for impoverished North Korea to earn foreign currency.
The industrial park has operated normally even after the North severed a military hotline with the South on Wednesday. The line was used for checking the entry of South Koreans to the special zone.

Observers say that the latest threat may be part of North Korea's tactics to rattle the South.