Jeju residents suspicious of how woman missing for 104 days died as new details emerge

Warning: This article contains discussion about suicide which some readers may find distressing

Questions over the death of a South Korean woman who disappeared for 104 days have intensified, after a local resident questioned how it was possible her body was discovered in a palm tree plantation on Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination in the region.

The woman, identified as 37-year-old Jang Mi Ran, disappeared on May 12 after leaving her accommodation.

Her body was eventually discovered on 24 August in a palm tree plantation around 500 metres from where she was last seen.

According to the BBC, local police have concluded there were no signs of homicide, and that they believe she died by suicide.

The circumstances have prompted questions among some local Jeju residents, in particular about the palm tree where Jang’s body was reportedly found.

Local residents have been querying how Jang died (Getty Stock)

Questions over Jang Mi Ran's death on Jeju island

Local media reports that a nearby resident shared photographs of similar palm trees to the one where Jang was discovered.

They questioned whether the apparently 157cm-tall woman could have reached a suitable point on the tree and tied a rope, which was reportedly used in her death.

The resident explained that the tall, slender tree shown in their photograph was a Washington palm, alongside the type of palm associated with the case, which is reportedly a Canary Island date palm.

They also claimed that this type of palm tree has no side branches and that the trunk can be difficult even for an adult man to wrap both arms around.

Online commenters also pointed out the sharp edges left behind when palm fronds fall, which they claim made it even more unlikely a woman measuring just 157cm could have attached a rope to the tree.

President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung has called for police reform (Ton Molina/Getty Images)

“157cm, a slender woman, where would she have tied the rope?” the resident asked, according to Newsis. “Does it look possible?”

The National Forensic Service's examination said their tests did not identify evidence of another person's involvement.

Residents also questioned why it took so long for her to be found: “If the police found her after 104 days and within about an hour of searching, then what were the police doing for the past three months?”

Online discussion has also queried why police have not released more visual evidence concerning the tree and the rope that was allegedly found at the scene.

Police apologies and potential reform as fears of a serial killer grow

There has been a huge controversy on the island over the handling of this case and several other missing persons cases.

A serving police officer, with the surname Bu, has been arrested and is being investigated over allegations that he prematurely closed the case, as well as others he was across.

The island is a popular tourist destination in South Korea (Eric Hevesy/Getty stock photo)

Bu is accused of telling loved ones of the missing that he had successfully contacted the missing person and that they did not want to be found, before closing their case.

It was alleged that Bu had told Jang's boyfriend that she had told Bu she did not wish to speak to him. Investigators are now looking into whether the officer spoke to them at all. Bu has denied the charges.

Four officers in his chain of command have been put on administrative leave, according to the BBC.

On Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung called for a major reform of the police force in light of the case.

There is no established link between Jang's death and other bodies recently discovered on Jeju, despite growing fears of a serial killer.

However, local authorities are pleading with people to 'refrain from spreading content that incites anxiety about Jeju’s safety'.

As reported by Hani, it a statement read: “We express deep regret that unverified facts and exaggerated interpretations are being circulated in some media outlets and on social media regarding the recent regrettable police response to the missing person case.

"We are making every effort to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, and we will do our utmost to make Jeju even safer."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.