Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Jeju Deaths Fuel Serial Killer Fears Amid Police Scandal
Four people were found dead on Jeju Island over three days.
More than a dozen other people have recently been reported missing.
This has made many people worry that one killer may be responsible.
However, police have not found proof that the deaths are connected.
One woman, Jang Mi-ran, was found near the place where she had been staying.
Investigators are still trying to determine how she died.
A police officer is accused of closing missing-person cases improperly and deleting information.
Senior police officials have been removed from duty while the cases and police procedures are reviewed.
Four people, including a woman, were found dead on Jeju Island within three days.
More than a dozen people have gone missing in recent weeks, heightening public concern.
Police have not found evidence confirming a serial killer, homicide network, or trafficking operation.
The body of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran was found near her lodging on August 24.
An officer accused of mishandling 298 missing-person reports faces arrest allegations, while four senior officers were placed on leave.
- Who
- Four deceased people, more than a dozen missing people, Jeju police, and a police officer accused of mishandling cases are central to the investigation.
- What
- Four bodies were found in three days amid missing-person cases and allegations of police failures.
- When
- The bodies were found over a three-day period; Jang Mi-ran disappeared on May 12 and her body was found on August 24.
- Where
- Jeju Island, including a palm farm in Hallim-eup and the area around Jeju Seobu Police Station.
- Why
- The discoveries prompted public alarm, while allegations that missing-person cases were improperly closed led to official investigations and calls for police reform.
Public Alarm and Serial-Killer Speculation
Police Evidence and Official Investigation
Possible connection between deaths
Public Alarm and Serial-Killer Speculation
Online posts and maps of missing-person cases have fueled claims that the disappearances and deaths may involve a serial killer, homicide, or trafficking.
Police Evidence and Official Investigation
Police say there is currently no evidence confirming a serial killer or common perpetrator, and the four deaths have not been connected.
Handling of missing-person cases
Public Alarm and Serial-Killer Speculation
The police scandal has raised concerns that cases were closed too quickly and without adequate checks, potentially worsening the crisis.
Police Evidence and Official Investigation
Authorities are reviewing all 298 cases handled by the officer, investigating alleged misconduct, and considering stronger supervisory approval before cases are closed.
Cause of Jang Mi-ran's death
Public Alarm and Serial-Killer Speculation
The condition and location of the body have contributed to public concern about a possible violent death.
Police Evidence and Official Investigation
Police found no clear signs of external trauma; hanging was initially suspected, but the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
- Deaths reported
- Four people, including a woman, were found dead over three days.
- Missing people
- More than a dozen people have gone missing in recent weeks.
- Identified victim
- Thirty-seven-year-old Jang Mi-ran disappeared on May 12 and was identified through an autopsy.
- Body location
- Jang Mi-ran's body was found at a palm farm in Hallim-eup, nearly one kilometre from her lodging.
- Police officer's caseload
- The officer under investigation handled 298 missing-person reports over approximately 17 months.
- Allegations
- The officer faces allegations including dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records, and obstruction of official duties.
- Administrative action
- Four senior officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station were placed on administrative leave.