North Korean state-run outlets Uriminzokkiri and Arirang-Meari claimed on Friday that the factories in the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) will be “more vigorously operated” in the future.

The editorials come in response to a Radio Free Asia (RFA) report on Monday claiming that Pyongyang has been running secret garment factories at the formerly inter-Korean industrial zone.

The North downplayed the coverage, saying the “puppets” were “clamoring” about the operation of the KIC, describing it as an “ugly trick to mislead public opinion.”

“We make it clear once again that the U.S. and their subordinates will not able to block our