Jeju Police Face Backlash Over Missing Person Cases
Prosecutors say the officer closed more than 200 cases without confirming safety and deleted records, prompting a wider review of Jeju missing-person procedures.
- On Monday, August 24, 2026, authorities discovered the body of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran near Hallim-eup, Jeju City, 104 days after her disappearance, prompting the Jeju District Court to detain police officer Bu on charges of falsifying records.
- Investigators allege Bu closed Jang's missing-person file on May 15, falsely recording that she "did not wish to contact her family" despite never attempting to locate her, using similar tactics across roughly 298 cases during his tenure.
- A joint force of 400 personnel discovered the body during a massive search, leading the National Police Agency to place four senior officers at Jeju Seobu Police Station on administrative leave due to systemic oversight failures.
- President Lee Jae-myung ordered a national probe into missing-person procedures, stating, "With great investigative authority comes great accountability," while a judge detained Bu on Tuesday citing grounds to prevent evidence destruction.
- While four bodies were recovered on Jeju in three days, investigators stress no evidence confirms a serial killer, as prosecutors prepare to formally indict Bu in coming weeks amid a broader national policy review.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Arrest warrant issued for Jeju police officer who mishandled missing person case
JEJU:- The Jeju District Court on Tuesday (Aug 25) issued an arrest warrant for a Jeju police officer accused of wrongfully closing a missing person case that may have led to the woman's death, Yonhap News Agency reported
Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing
Four missing people were found dead on South Korea’s Jeju Island within three days, fuelling serial-killer fears and online speculation. A police misconduct investigation is ongoing. The latest case of a woman's body being found has intensified scrutiny.
Serial Killer on the Loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Four Dead Bodies Discovered as Rogue Cop Arrested for Cover Up
Four bodies have surfaced on South Korea's holiday island of Jeju in just three days, and a police officer now stands accused of covering up the disappearances that preceded them. The discoveries have triggered public alarm and online speculation about a serial killer, even as investigators say no such link has been established. At the centre of the scandal is a mid-ranking officer, identified only by his surname, Bu, who is accused of falsifyin…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
