Four bone fragments have recently discovered among artifacts from an excavation 38 years ago from the tomb of King Muryeong of the Baekje kingdom in Gongju, Chungcheong Province.

Gongju National Museum said pieces were found while organizing the tomb artifacts discovered in 1971.

The museum said it is not certain whether the bones are of human or animal origin, adding it will soon launch an investigation.

If the fragments are confirmed to be derived from a human, it is highly likely they belong to the king and the queen, who were buried together in the tomb.