A woman who went missing 104 days ago in Jeju has been found deceased in a bamboo farm, a location her father described as a place she habitually avoided due to fear. Jang Mi-ran, 37, was discovered on August 24th, nearly four months after she disappeared from her long-term lodging in Hallim-eup, Jeju City.
Father Expresses Disbelief Over Discovery Site
Jang’s father, speaking after mourning his daughter’s passing, revealed that she had consistently expressed apprehension about bamboo farms. “My daughter told her boyfriend that bamboo farms were scary places she didn’t want to go to,” he stated in an interview. “She said she never went near them.” He characterized his daughter as a naturally timid person and expressed profound confusion and distress over the fact that her body was found in such a location. “I cannot understand why she would have gone there,” he added.
The bamboo farm where Jang’s remains were discovered is situated approximately 400 meters from the lodging where she had been staying long-term. The farm is densely populated with bamboo trees, reportedly 3 to 6 meters tall, creating an environment that is dim even during the day and is known to be avoided by local residents at night.
Police Explain Cause of Death
Authorities informed Jang’s father about the preliminary findings regarding the cause of his daughter’s death. According to the father, police explained that the death involved a fracture in the neck area, specifically a “weak part between the bones.”
Overwhelmed by grief, Jang’s father described his daughter as the “pillar of our family.”
Investigation and Initial Report Closure
The circumstances surrounding Jang’s disappearance and the subsequent handling of the missing person report have raised questions. Jang was last seen leaving her lodging on the evening of May 12th. Her boyfriend reported her missing on May 15th, three days after her disappearance.
However, an officer in charge of the case, identified as Officer A, reportedly closed the investigation as a false report after allegedly telling the reporting boyfriend that Jang had been contacted. This action is now under investigation.
While expressing his deep sorrow over the misclassification of his daughter’s case, Jang’s father stated he does not wish to blame the entire police force. He attributed the situation to “one person’s negligent actions causing harm to many people.” He extended his gratitude to the police officers and others who had assisted in the search for his daughter.
Timeline of Events
- May 12th: Jang Mi-ran leaves her lodging in the evening and her whereabouts become unknown.
- May 15th: Jang’s boyfriend reports her missing to the police.
- May 15th onwards: Initial investigation by police, including efforts to locate Jang.
- August 24th: Jang’s body is discovered in a bamboo farm near her former lodging, 104 days after her disappearance.
- Post-Discovery: Police inform the family of the preliminary cause of death and the father expresses his distress and confusion.
Community Impact and Father’s Gratitude
The discovery of Jang Mi-ran’s body has sent ripples of shock and sadness through the community. The prolonged period of her disappearance and the unexpected nature of her discovery have left many questions unanswered.
Jang’s father, despite his profound personal tragedy and the procedural issues that arose, emphasized his appreciation for the efforts made by law enforcement and community members during the extensive search. His sentiment highlights the complex emotions involved – grief, confusion, and a measure of gratitude for those who tried to help.
The investigation into the handling of the initial missing person report continues, aiming to clarify the actions taken by the officer involved and ensure accountability. The focus remains on understanding the full circumstances of Jang Mi-ran’s death and providing closure to her grieving family.
