Officials in North Korea will close the country's border with South Korea

On 12 November 2008 officials in North Korea announced that they will close the country's border with South Korea beginning on 1 December. The action will force the closure of joint projects between the countries, including a factory complex in Kaesong, at which more than 32,000 North Koreans are employed. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the decision was based on South Korea's harsher stance toward North Korea after years of relatively amicable relations; The KCNA report also accused Seoul of violating agreements that were concluded in 2000 and 2007. North Korean representatives indicated that the border closing will be followed by more government action against South Korea.