The body of an individual presumed to be a young boy has been discovered off the coast of Jumundo Island in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, near the border with North Korea, but authorities are struggling to identify the deceased.

According to the Coast Guard and other sources on Friday (July 31), the Incheon Coast Guard has requested cooperation from relevant agencies, including military authorities and the Ministry of Unification, to determine the identity of the body and the circumstances surrounding the incident near Jumundo Island in Ganghwa-gun.

A report was received on the afternoon of July 25 regarding a body floating in the waters near Jumundo Island.

At the time of discovery, the body was unclothed and estimated to be that of a young boy with a height of about 110 to 120 cm.

The Coast Guard stated that due to advanced decomposition, they are facing major difficulties in obtaining fingerprints or other clues to pinpoint the identity.

In particular, because the area is a border region in the West Sea where bodies or wooden box landmines from North Korea have previously been found, the Coast Guard is investigating all possibilities, including whether the body drifted from North Korea or belongs to a missing person within South Korea.

An official with the Coast Guard said, "We are focusing on identifying the individual by mobilizing advanced investigative techniques," adding, "Specific details cannot be disclosed."

Having received a request for joint response, the Coast Guard retrieved the body and commissioned the National Forensic Service to conduct an autopsy.