Online rumors about Jeju safety spread after missing woman's body found

A recent missing person case in Jeju has ignited a wave of unsubstantiated rumors and "Jeju myths" online, fueling public anxiety and drawing criticism for potentially promoting regional prejudice.

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Jeju Island, where you can't even find a body if you go there without thinking.

Following the discovery of Jang Mi-ran, 37, who was reported missing and later found deceased after police initially closed her case as false, social media platforms have been flooded with speculative claims. These range from suggestions that her case is part of a serial killing spree to accusations targeting specific foreign nationalities as perpetrators. Online comments on platforms like Threads have stoked fear, with posts claiming that "people disappear from Jeju" regardless of gender if they venture out at night.

These narratives have prompted pushback from residents and those familiar with the island. A YouTube channel focused on Jeju dialect and culture, 'Meoranghaeman,' has seen a surge of negative comments, including one stating, "Jeju Island, where you can't even find a body if you go there without thinking."

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I advise against wandering alone, even during the day or on paved roads. Jeju is a beautiful place, but you should not take it lightly. You can encounter places where no one can hear you if you stray even a little from the trails.

Even public figures have faced backlash. Medical journalist Hong Hye-geol apologized after initially advising against solo travel in Jeju, citing its remote areas. While he clarified his intention was caution, not to label Jeju as dangerous, his remarks sparked a strong reaction from a Jeju resident who stated, "This is also a place where people live," emphasizing the emotional impact of such portrayals.

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Why are you posting things that make Jeju seem so hateful? I don't know if you see Jeju as just a place to visit like a hotel, but people who live here can be hurt by your posts. This is also a place where people live.

Countering the "Jeju myths" requires accurate information. Online discussions highlight that Jeju's adult missing persons cases are statistically low. According to 2024 police statistics, Jeju recorded 814 cases out of a population of approximately 690,000, ranking second lowest among all provinces. In contrast, Seoul, with a population nearing 10 million, had 22,429 cases. Many argue that generalizing the risk of traveling alone in remote areas, applicable anywhere globally, to create a narrative of inherent danger in Jeju constitutes regional discrimination.

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My intention was to be cautious, not to say that Jeju is dangerous. I apologize to those who were hurt by my words.