The outlet added the factories will run more actively, implying that Pyongyang began production using South Korean firms' facilities left behind at the zone.

The announcement followed reports that North Korea began utilizing production facilities located in the zone, producing goods such as clothes.

Opened in 2004, the factory zone had housed 124 South Korean firms hiring more than 54,000 North Korean workers to produce labor-intensive goods such as clothes and utensils.

Last year, North Korea said it will freeze all assets of South Korean companies located within the industrial zone.

In reponse to the announcement, Seoul's unification ministry said North Korea should refrain from infringing on property rights of South Korean companies.  

In August, the ministry also highlighted cars and other property at the Kaesong complex belong to South Korean firms following reports that automobiles left behind the zone went missing.  (Yonhap)