North Korea’s Trash Balloons Contain Parasites From Human Feces: South Korea

Numerous parasites have been found after examining the balloons, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said.

A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, on the Han River in Seoul, South Korea, on June 9, 2024. South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff via AP

Parasites believed to be from human excrement have been detected in the bags of trash carried by North Korean balloons toward South Korea in recent weeks, the South Korean government said on June 24.

More than 1,600 trash-filled balloons have been sent by North Korea toward its southern neighbor since May, and South Korean residents have been advised not to touch any objects attached to the balloons.