A body found Monday in a Jeju forest about 1 kilometer from Jang Mi-ran's lodging was confirmed Tuesday to be the missing 37-year-old woman through an autopsy and dental records.
Police said severe decomposition made it impossible to determine external trauma, while a separate DNA test and forensic analysis of her cellphone are under way to establish the exact cause of death.
Investigators had earlier said Jang was presumed to have hanged herself based on the body's shape and position when it was discovered.
The case drew nationwide scrutiny after the officer handling her May 12 disappearance allegedly closed it within hours and falsely told her boyfriend he had contacted her but could not reveal her location.