Lee Su-jeong, a professor of criminal psychology at Kyonggi University, criticized police who judged the death of Jang Mi-ran, 37, found dead at a palm farm in Jeju, as a suicide.
On the 27th, Lee wrote on her social media that "suicide is an intentional and planned act," and argued the case should be formally investigated.
Lee said, "A typical person who dies by suicide has a clear motive, whether it is a relationship issue or a financial problem," adding, "In crime, there is intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter, but in suicide, there is no such thing as accidentally or coincidentally taking one's life."
She then raised questions about the location where Jang was found and the circumstances at the time, noting it was doubtful that a young woman would choose a palm grove as a place to die by suicide and would think of dying while seated.
She added, "Let's refrain from speculation that could insult the deceased," and urged authorities not to close the case as a simple suicide but to register it as a formal criminal case and investigate strictly.
Earlier, police said they saw a low possibility that Jang was a victim of crime in connection with the cause of death and are continuing the investigation.