Jeju police conduct reconstruction experiment in palm grove death case

Jeju police have conducted a reconstruction experiment at a palm grove in Hallim-eup, Jeju City, where the body of a woman in her 30s was discovered after she had been missing for 104 days.

The experiment aimed to verify the strength of the palm tree trunks and the physical position of the deceased to determine if the tree could support a person's weight. This follows questions regarding whether the scene was consistent with a hanging or foul play. While the National Forensic Service noted a fracture in the hyoid bone, they stated it is difficult to determine if this was caused by asphyxiation or post-mortem decomposition due to the advanced state of decay.

Local residents described the area as extremely dark at night, lacking streetlights, which has raised questions about the circumstances of the victim's movement to the remote location. Police stated they are keeping all possibilities open, including both suicide and homicide, and are awaiting professional review of the experimental results.