4 deaths in 3 days in honeymoon paradise Jeju Island puts focus on missing 298

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. And that is 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. This has raised questions over how missing-person cases were handled in similar apathy by local authorities. The four deaths have now put at least 298 cases of missing people under the scanner.

For Indian travellers, Jeju is an attraction also, because Indian passport holders can enter the island visa-free for short-term tourism, subject to the conditions of South Korea’s Jeju visa-waiver scheme.

Now, however, the island famous for honeymoons and volcanic landscapes is confronting an image crisis of a very different kind.

FOUR DEATHS REPORTED IN THREE DAYS AT JEJU ISLAND

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.

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 Seoul-based English daily's 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.

The scandal has since widened and the local police are reviewing 298 missing-person cases handled by the officer Bu, including at least 10 that are suspected of having been improperly closed.

As investigators expanded the search, the island began producing a disturbing series of discoveries. A man in his 60s who had also been reported missing was found dead last week. 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. A fourth body was discovered near a valley in Aewol-eup, according to local news reports.

In total, police found four people reported missing dead during the period through Monday.

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.

FOUR DEATHS PUT 298 CASES UNDER THE SCANNER

The scandal has widened beyond the two cases initially linked to the police officer.

According to The Independent, 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 the senior ranks.

Four officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station were placed on administrative leave, including the station chief, former chief and two senior investigators, as the Police Agency began examining whether the cases were properly supervised, British broadcaster BBC reported.

What began as a missing woman's case has therefore become a question about the functioning of an entire police chain of command.

IS JEJU ISLAND BECOMING UNSAFE?

Whether Jeju island is safe is the question being asked online and among travellers.

Jeju has long occupied a special place in South Korea's tourism history. Its volcanic landscape, beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails have made it a favourite destination for couples, families and international tourists.

And its popularity has been rising. Official figures reveal that foreign tourist arrivals to the island increased substantially, with tourist footfall reportedly rising 21.5% in the first five months of 2026*.

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

For decades, Jeju's story was written in the language of tourism — honeymooners arriving at the airport, couples walking along volcanic coastlines and visitors photographing the island's famous landscapes.

This week, the story is being written in the language of missing-person reports, police records and unanswered questions.

For Indian travellers, Jeju remains accessible under the island's special visa-free arrangement for eligible short-term visitors. But the current controversy has added a new layer to the destination's image.

- Ends