In the statement made by the Ministry of Unification of South Korea, it was stated that there are signs that the North is illegally operating 10 factories belonging to South Korea in the Kaesong Industrial Complex in the border region.
The ministry warned that it will take legal action to protect the property rights of South Korean operators.
Speaking to the press on condition of anonymity, the South Korean Ministry official said that satellite images and intelligence confirm the unauthorized use of the factories by North Korea.
Voice of America reported that satellite imagery on April 20 indicated 21 buildings at the Kaesong Industrial Complex were in use.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry said in a statement on April 24 that it was reviewing ways to hold Pyongyang government accountable for the unauthorized use of the currently closed industrial park, the Kaesong Industrial Complex, under joint North and South management.
The facility, which is the symbol of the inter-Korean reconciliation process, was established in 2004 and was closed in February 2016 in response to North Korea’s nuclear program and long-range missile tests.