South Korean President Demands Police Accountability After Jeju Missing Persons Deaths

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for increased police accountability following public outrage over mishandled missing-person cases on Jeju Island, where four missing individuals were found dead over three days through Monday. The controversy emerged as police reforms are set to expand their investigative powers.

Authorities confirmed the unrelated deaths of four people reported missing on Jeju, including 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, whose disappearance sparked national attention after police prematurely closed her case without verifying her safety. Her body was found 104 days after she vanished, on a palm tree farm near her residence.

Investigations revealed that a single police officer prematurely closed some missing-person cases, allegedly without confirming the individuals' safety. This prompted a review of all 298 cases handled by the officer, with about 10 under scrutiny for improper closure. Another victim was a man in his 60s, whose family reported him missing again after police had reportedly closed his case, falsely indicating he was safe but unwilling to disclose his location. His body was later discovered.

President Lee addressed a cabinet meeting, stating, "Police are likely to wield the greatest power among state institutions," and emphasizing that "Responsibility must be strengthened in proportion to the size of the authority." He acknowledged public doubts about the police force's ability to handle such responsibility.

Acting National Police Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong apologized for the incidents and pledged comprehensive reforms to prevent recurrence. Yoo told lawmakers, "We will examine the entire system and make institutional improvements so that this never happens again." Police have mandated supervisory approval for closing missing-person cases pending system upgrades.

Following the scandal, four Jeju police officers, including the head of the Jeju Seobu Police Station and senior investigators, were placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation proceeds. The officer accused of wrongdoing has been detained on charges including dereliction of duty, falsifying records, and obstructing official duties, though he denies the allegations, claiming contact with the missing persons.

The controversy coincides with recent reforms transferring investigative powers from prosecutors to police, a move criticized by the public due to concerns about police competence and corruption. South Korea annually records over 70,000 missing adult reports, with the vast majority resolved within 30 days, but experts suggest low crime rates have contributed to a tendency to underestimate missing persons cases.

At a National Assembly hearing, the national police chief admitted systemic faults amid growing public criticism. President Lee highlighted that "the recent breakdown in police discipline and irresponsibility in public safety matters have become serious problems," underscoring the urgent need for reform in the police force's management of public safety.