Controversy continues over the cause of death of Jang Mi-ran, who was found dead 104 days after a false conclusion was made regarding her missing person report in Jeju. The National Forensic Service stated that due to severe decomposition and partial skeletonization of the body, it is difficult to clearly determine whether trauma or asphyxiation occurred. However, police have assessed the circumstances so far and consider the possibility of death by hanging to be more likely, viewing the potential for criminal activity as low. The differing assessments from the police and the forensic service have led to ongoing criticism from netizens regarding the police investigation.
In a previous interim investigation briefing, police stated that "no fractures were found" on Jang's body. However, the autopsy report released the following day indicated that there were signs of a fracture in the hyoid bone area.
The hyoid bone, a thin bone located inside the neck, is one of the key findings in determining the cause of death in this case. While a fracture of the hyoid bone does not necessarily indicate homicide or asphyxiation, the National Forensic Service noted that the body was highly decomposed and partially skeletonized, making it difficult to definitively assess trauma or asphyxiation based solely on the fracture. They also mentioned that the separation of the hyoid bone could have occurred during the post-mortem decomposition process.
Despite this, police have raised questions by announcing that there were "no fractures" related to the significant autopsy finding of the hyoid bone fracture.
Additionally, the forensic expert identified Jang and suggested that "the possibility of death by hanging should be considered." Police have also indicated that, based on the circumstances confirmed so far, they view the likelihood of criminal activity as low. They noted that Jang's belongings, including her mobile phone and gold bracelet, were found intact, and there were no signs of struggle or conflict at the scene.
However, this is merely the police's assessment, and the hyoid bone fracture alone cannot definitively determine whether it was a homicide or, conversely, confirm suicide. Police are conducting further investigations, including mobile phone forensics and detailed DNA analysis.
Questions also remain regarding the location where the body was discovered.
Jang's body was found on the 24th at a palm tree farm in Hallym-eup, Jeju City. Family members reported that Jang had been afraid of the palm tree forest, and no clear suicide note or motive suggesting suicide has been identified so far.
Police reportedly conducted strength tests at the scene, pulling on the palm tree trunk to verify whether it could support a person's weight, based on the fact that a cord was tied to the trunk at the time the body was discovered.
In contrast, local residents have expressed concerns that the characteristics of the Canary Island palm, which has many thorns, make it difficult to access, and that the trunk may not be suitable for suspending a heavy object.
As this situation has been shared online, criticism of the police investigation has continued.
One netizen argued, "The National Forensic Service said the level of decomposition was too severe to make a judgment. The hyoid bone fracture could have occurred post-mortem. But the police seem to want to wrap this up as a suicide. How can we trust the police in this situation?"
Another netizen criticized, "The police found a body that was impossible to analyze after three months. They brought this on themselves and deserve all the backlash."
Others commented, "The police can’t blame anyone. The suspicions arose from their poor handling of the case," and, "Now the police's credibility is so damaged that they are being compared to internet communities; they brought this on themselves."
Regarding the location of the body discovery, one person raised the question, "The news said it was a dark place with no streetlights; isn’t it very difficult to tie a cord in that darkness?"
Some netizens strongly criticized the direction of the police investigation, stating, "Right now, the police are in a position where it has to be suicide. If it remains unsolved, it will be a big problem, and if any evidence of homicide emerges, it will be even worse," adding, "They are praying for it to be suicide without considering any other possibilities."
Regarding the hyoid bone fracture, there were reactions suggesting, "Isn’t that fracture more indicative of homicide?" However, based on the currently available forensic findings, it cannot be definitively concluded that the hyoid bone fracture is evidence of homicide. The National Forensic Service also stated that due to advanced decomposition and partial skeletonization, it is difficult to clearly determine the cause of the fracture and that it could have occurred during the post-mortem decomposition process.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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