Jeju Island tourism faces scrutiny following discovery of tourist's body

Initial autopsy results suggest that 30-year-old tourist Jang Mi-ran, whose body was discovered at a palm farm on Jeju Island after 104 days, died by hanging. Authorities noted that Jang left her accommodation around 22:15 on May 12 and likely passed away in the early hours of the following day, as her phone signal ceased shortly thereafter with no further activity recorded.

While police stated the likelihood of a criminal case is relatively low due to a lack of signs of struggle, they are not ruling out all possibilities. The investigation is complicated by the fact that a local officer allegedly closed the missing person report only two and a half hours after receiving it. This officer is currently in custody facing allegations of improper procedure.

The discovery of multiple bodies on the island, combined with the police handling scandal, has caused significant concern among locals and tourists. This atmosphere of insecurity is impacting Jeju's tourism industry, which is already facing a decline in domestic visitors as travelers increasingly favor international destinations.