Are Koreans smuggling ground-up dead babies from China?

South Korea says it has seized thousands of capsules filled with a horrifying powder, calling attention to a gruesome practice that has shocked the world

capsules
(Image credit: Courtesy Shutterstock)

Since August, South Korea has confiscated 17,500 capsules containing the powdered flesh of dead babies, which smugglers had tried to bring into the country from China, officials say. South Korea refuses to elaborate on where the dead babies were procured or who manufactured the capsules, "citing possible diplomatic friction with Beijing," says Hyung Jin Kim for The Associated Press. But the crackdown has turned the world's attention on a heinous practice, and brought to light some of its gruesome details. Here, a guide to the controversy:

Why would anyone want powdered baby flesh?

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