A police investigator on South Korea's popular Jeju Island has been detained on suspicion of falsifying records and neglecting his duties in connection with the deaths of four missing persons whose bodies were discovered within days of each other. The investigator, identified only by his surname Bu, is accused of improperly closing cases and misleading relatives about the status of the missing individuals.
One of the cases that drew national attention involved 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who was reported missing in May. Her body was found on Monday at a palm tree farm approximately 547 yards from her residence. Local reports suggest her death may have been a suicide. According to investigators, Bu allegedly told Jang's boyfriend that he had spoken to her and that she did not wish to communicate with him. The boyfriend's attempts to report her disappearance again in July were dismissed, and the case was only pursued after he contacted a police station in Seoul.
In another case, a man in his 60s, reported missing 51 days prior, was found dead last week. Bu reportedly informed the man's family that he was safe but did not wish to disclose his location. The man's son stated that the family believed the police and waited, only for his father's body to be returned after 51 days.
Two additional bodies were found in the days following Jang's discovery. One was a man in his 70s found in the water off the island's northern coast. The causes of death for any of the four individuals have not been officially confirmed.
Bu denies the charges, asserting that he did contact the missing persons. Authorities are examining all 298 cases handled by Bu, with preliminary reviews indicating 10 cases may have been improperly closed. An arrest warrant was issued due to concerns of flight risk and evidence tampering, according to detective Jung Tae-won.
The scandal has prompted a wider governmental response. President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a thorough investigation into the handling of Jang's case and has instructed his cabinet to develop a reform plan for the police force, citing recent concerns about discipline and public safety responsibility.
In addition, police are conducting a comprehensive review of approximately 310,000 missing persons cases closed over the past three years. Jeju Island, known for its natural beauty and volcanic landscapes, is a popular tourist destination. Experts suggest that a low crime rate and the high success rate of resolving adult missing persons cases may lead some officers to assume all cases will be quickly resolved, potentially contributing to a lapse in diligence.