South Korea announces that bodies of North Koreans washing up on its shores will be cremated

South Korea has reported that the bodies of North Koreans washing up on its shores cannot be repatriated due to "communication channels with Pyongyang being closed" and will be cremated after DNA tests are conducted without waiting for approval.

According to Yonhap news, the South Korean Ministry of Unification stated that it has been unable to carry out the relevant procedures regarding the bodies of North Koreans washing up on the country's shores due to the "breakdown in communication" with the Pyongyang administration.

WILL BE CREMATED EVEN IF NORTH KOREA DOES NOT GIVE APPROVAL

Stating that a DNA database has been established since 2014 for the identification of North Korean families in similar situations, the Ministry reported that no approval could be obtained from North Korea for applications made in April and September 2023 regarding the most recently found bodies.

The Ministry announced that even if North Korea, which closed the liaison channel between the two countries in April 2023, does not give approval, the DNA test will be performed and the bodies will then be cremated.

News Source: AA