Police say missing woman on Jeju likely died soon after disappearing

Jeju police suspect the body of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who vanished in May, likely died shortly after her disappearance, officials announced on Wednesday. Jang's remains were found in a forest near the accommodation she occupied until May 12, three days prior to her reported missing status. During the period between her vanishing and her phone shutting off, there were no alterations to her phone's location or any phone calls made, according to the Jeju Provincial Police Agency.

This information led investigators to conclude that she most likely died early on May 13. The police emphasized the slim chance of foul play, pointing to the body's location and condition upon discovery, as well as preliminary autopsy results indicating that Jang's cause of death was hanging. The investigation also uncovered a cord from the scene that belonged to Jang, but authorities maintained they would keep all possibilities open.

The case has garnered nationwide attention after a police officer was accused of prematurely closing Jang's case hours after her boyfriend reported her missing on May 15. The officer allegedly told the boyfriend he had spoken with her but was prohibited from sharing her location. A local court issued an arrest warrant for the officer on Tuesday.

Jang's body was discovered following an extensive search by police last week, prompted by a new missing person report submitted by her family.