A decomposed body discovered a month ago near Jumun-do, Ganghwa County, is believed to be that of a North Korean resident. The body was found to contain parasites that are unlikely to be found domestically.
According to Yonhap News Agency on August 31, the Incheon Coast Guard confirmed that parasites were identified in the body discovered at sea near Jumun-do on July 25, following an examination by the National Forensic Service.
The Coast Guard received feedback from research institutions indicating that the parasites found in the intestines are rarely seen in South Korea. They checked missing persons profiles but found no matches among domestic cases.
Based on the presence of the parasites and the results of the missing persons inquiry, the Coast Guard believes the body is likely that of a North Korean.
The body was found around noon on July 25, in a severely decomposed state, without clothing and lacking fingerprints, making identification difficult.
At the time of discovery, the body was estimated to be between 110 and 120 centimeters tall, and the National Forensic Service estimated it to be that of a boy around 6 years old. The Coast Guard reported that there are no indications of criminal activity and plans to conclude the case after necessary procedures.
There have been ongoing reports of bodies and landmines believed to have drifted from North Korea being found in the waters near Jumun-do. Between July 23 and August 10, a total of 14 incidents involving 16 landmines suspected to have come from North Korea were reported along the coast near Ganghwa, including Jumun-do, Ganghwa Island, Gyodong Island, and Buleumdong.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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