(2nd LD) Presumed body of missing woman found on Jeju Island

JEJU, South Korea, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Police discovered what they believe to be the remains of a missing woman in a forest near the accommodation where 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran had been staying before she went missing, on Jeju Island Monday. The body was found at 10:46 a.m., and authorities are now working to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death.

Jang was last seen leaving the accommodation on May 12, and her family only became aware of her disappearance after a police officer allegedly closed the case prematurely, despite not confirming her safety. This error prompted an intensive search for Jang, which resulted in the discovery of at least two other missing persons. The officer responsible for prematurely closing the case has been arrested and is facing charges for dereliction of duty, falsifying official records, and obstructing official duties through deception.

Meanwhile, another body believed to belong to a man in his 70s was found in waters near eastern Jeju Island on Sunday, and a missing person was also discovered dead near a valley on western Jeju Island earlier that day. On Saturday, a 60-year-old man was found dead in the northeastern part of the island. Police had been searching for the man who went missing after the officer who handled Jang's case prematurely closed the investigation.