Overview

• Seoul’s Unification Ministry has formally requested that Pyongyang confirm collection of the body by August 5 at Panmunjom following the shutdown of inter-Korean communication channels
• The remains, identified via a certificate as those of a man born in 1988 from North Hwanghae Province, were found on June 21 off Seongmodo Island and are held at an Incheon hospital
• Officials cite a temporary identification certificate and personal belongings to establish the deceased as a North Korean farm worker
• If North Korea does not respond by the deadline, South Korea will classify the remains as unclaimed and carry out cremation under its domestic procedures
• This appeal follows July’s repatriation of six North Korean fishermen under the same procedural framework despite no prior response from Pyongyang