Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung called for greater police accountability after multiple missing-person cases on Jeju island were mishandled.
- Four individuals reported missing on Jeju were found dead over three days.
- At least one police officer is accused of closing cases prematurely without confirming the missing persons' safety.
- The officer faces charges including dereliction of duty and obstruction of official duties.
- Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman, disappeared 104 days before her body was found.
- Police have ordered supervisory sign-off on missing-person case closures pending system upgrades.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for enhanced police accountability following public outrage over the handling of several missing-person cases on Jeju island. The calls come as reforms are set to grant the police force a more significant role in criminal investigations. Four individuals reported missing on Jeju were found dead over three days, with allegations that at least one officer prematurely closed cases without confirming the safety of the missing persons. One case involved Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman who vanished 104 days before her body was discovered. The officer in charge is facing an arrest warrant hearing for charges including dereliction of duty and obstruction of official duties, though the officer denies the allegations. The Jeju police are reviewing all 298 missing-person reports handled by the officer, with about 10 under examination for potential improper closure. The National Police Commissioner has apologized and pledged institutional improvements, including mandatory supervisory sign-off on missing-person case closures, pending system upgrades. This controversy arises as police are set to gain expanded investigative powers following the stripping of prosecutors' remaining investigative authority.