The Mysterious Death Of Actress Tan Jing

Sharon · #1 ● 07-29-2012, 12:24 PM

The mysterious death of little-known Chinese actress, Tan Jing has not only invoked fervent discussions among Chinese netizens but also Korean media.

Tan Jing (谭静) was a model and actress who was found dead on the morning of April 5 2008 in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. It has been speculated that three Koreans may have raped and subsequently killed her. The trio are believed to be male crew members from a certain Korean airlines.

The death of Tan Jing was first reported by the New Express on April 6 2008, with a shocking title "Half naked woman dropped from thirty-floor of Dongfeng Plaza, three Koreans suspected of throwing her out". The identity of Tan Jing was later confirmed as a model and actress, instead of prostitute, as previously speculated by the newspaper. But the cause of her death is still unsettled.

According to a police report, Tan Jing dropped out of the window of the toilet of the thirtieth floor apartment and hit a beam sticking out of the building on which her body was later found. The previous night three men of Korean nationality has been with Tan Jing in the apartment, but no evidence has showed that they were involved in Tan Jing's death. The autopsy showed no sign of sexual intercourse and ruled out the possibility of sexual abuse. The report also says that Tan Jing's body alcohol level was 300, which indicated the she was drunk before death. Police concluded that Tan Jing jumped to her death under the influence of alcohol.

Internet users on Tianya.cn doubt the police's conclusion and tend to believe that the three Korean men were involved in Tan Jing's death, and that the police deliberately tried to cover up truth. There are different conspiracy theories currently circulating on the Internet. Most accuse the Chinese government of giving foreigners "exemption from legal punishment" and placating foreigners to avoid a break-out of nationalist sentiment to maintain stability during the sensitive period of run-up to the Olympic Games.

Since Tan Jing was once in Korean singer, Kim Jong Kook’s MV, “Walking in One Spot”. She also appeared in a Korean TV CF and signed on with an agency as a model. Plus there are speculation that her death might have been caused by Koreans. The Korean media are particularly interested in her death.

Many Korean netizens are not happy and voiced their displeasure. Some commented, “This speculation will only seek to diminish the image of Koreans in the eyes of the Chinese people.”

Although Chinese police have already determined that her cause of death is suicide after investigation, many remained unconvinced and believes there’s more to it.