(LEAD) Presumed body of missing woman found on Jeju Island

Jeju, South Korea, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The presumed body of a missing woman was found on Jeju Island, police announced, amidst an extensive search that began belatedly due to a police officer closing the case prematurely and illegally, without verifying her safety. The body was discovered in a forest near the residence of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who went missing three months ago.

Authorities are now attempting to confirm the identity of the body and will conduct an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death. At present, there are no indications of foul play. Jang was last seen leaving her home on May 12, and a missing person report was filed three days later. The case garnered attention when it emerged that the police officer had prematurely closed the initial case, potentially without confirming her safety despite claiming he had spoken with her on the phone.

As a result, an intensive search for Jang was initiated last week, leading to the discovery of at least two other missing persons' bodies. The police officer responsible for the premature closure of Jang's case was arrested on Saturday and has since been released on Monday after the Jeju District Court deemed his emergency arrest unlawful, as the legal requirements for an emergency were not met.