Jeju Island Mystery: 1 Officer, 298 Cases and 4 Dead – What We Know

The palm trees are still there. So are the volcanic cliffs and blue waters that have made Jeju Island one of South Korea's most beloved holiday destinations. But this week, another image of the picturesque island, known worldwide as a honeymooners' paradise, has taken hold, that of shock and fear. A search for a missing woman has turned into a deepening police scandal after four people reported missing on Jeju Island were found dead in three days, raising questions over how missing-person cases were handled by local authorities. The four deaths have now put at least 298 cases of missing people under the scanner.

How The Scandal Began

Jang Mi-ran disappeared after leaving her accommodation in Hallim-eup, Jeju City, on May 12. Her family later reported her missing. According to Seoul-based The Korea Herald newspaper, the police officer, identified by his surname Bu, was handling the 37-year-old Jang's case. Officer Bu allegedly closed the report after falsely claiming to Jang's family that he had contacted her and confirmed that she was safe. Investigators later found no record of the conversation Bu claimed had taken place. Brazil Woman, 37, Pretended To Be 12-Year-Old Autistic Girl To Get Free Home: How She Was Caught.

On Monday, August 24, a body believed to be Jang's was found in a palm farm in Hallim-eup, about 400 metres from the accommodation where she had been staying, according to the report. UK-based The Independent, citing local police, reported that Jang's body was among four bodies of people reported missing that were discovered on Jeju over three days.

Three More Bodies Found

A man in his 60s who had also been reported missing was found dead last week, and his case too had allegedly been prematurely closed by the same police officer. Another man in his 70s was found dead after being spotted by a person fishing, while a fourth body was discovered near a valley in Aewol-eup, according to local news reports. Who Is Jayme Franklin? Meet the 'Mystery' Woman Seen With Donald Trump in Viral White House Video.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that the discoveries followed an intensive search launched after the allegations surrounding the mishandling of Jang's case came to light. The deaths have not been linked by authorities as part of a single killing spree, and police have not established widespread foul play.

298 Missing-Person Cases Under Review

The scandal has widened beyond the two cases initially linked to the police officer. Authorities are reviewing 298 missing-person reports handled by Bu, with around 10 being examined for possible improper closure. Bu has been accused of dereliction of duty, forgery, falsifying official electronic records and obstructing official duties through deception. A Jeju court issued an arrest warrant for him on Tuesday, August 25.

The police response has also reached senior ranks, with four officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station, including the station chief, former chief and two senior investigators, placed on administrative leave as the National Police Agency began examining whether the cases were properly supervised, British broadcaster BBC reported.

Is Jeju Island Becoming Unsafe?

Whether Jeju island is safe is now the question being asked online and among travellers. Jeju has long occupied a special place in South Korea's tourism history, with its volcanic landscape, beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails making it a favourite destination for couples, families and international tourists, and its popularity has been rising, with foreign tourist arrivals reportedly increasing 21.5 per cent in the first five months of 2026.

But the string of deaths, combined with revelations that missing-person cases may have been improperly closed, has created a very different narrative around the island this week.

What This Means For Indian Travellers

For Indian travellers, Jeju is an attraction as well, since Indian passport holders can enter the island visa-free for short-term tourism under South Korea's Jeju visa-waiver scheme. The island remains accessible under this special arrangement for eligible short-term visitors, but the current controversy has added a new layer to the destination's image.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 05:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).