Jeju police chief apologizes for falsely closing missing persons cases

The Jeju Provincial Police Agency has issued an apology to the families of victims and the public following revelations that missing persons cases were falsely closed, leading to the deaths of the individuals involved. This apology comes 13 days after a police officer, identified as Officer Boo, began facing formal investigation for fabricating reports.

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I bow my head in apology to the two deceased individuals who could not return to their families' embrace and to the bereaved families who are experiencing unspeakable grief.

Jeju Provincial Police Commissioner Ko Pyung-ki expressed deep remorse, stating, "I bow my head in apology to the two deceased individuals who could not return to their families' embrace and to the bereaved families who are experiencing unspeakable grief." He acknowledged that the police, entrusted with protecting citizens' lives and safety, had failed in their duty and instead inflicted irreparable pain through deceitful words and actions.

The two victims, a woman in her 30s reported missing on May 15 and a man in his 60s reported missing on June 2, were found dead on May 25 and May 22, respectively. Officer Boo, who was in charge of these cases at the Jeju Western Police Station's Missing Persons Investigation Team, had falsely reported to the 신고자 (reporter/person who filed the report) that contact had been made with the missing individuals and instructed them not to reveal their location. These false reports led to the cases being closed prematurely.

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The police, who should be responsible for the lives and safety of the people, have not only abandoned that duty but have also caused indelible wounds to families with false words and actions.

Commissioner Ko further stated, "As the chief responsible for public security in Jeju, I feel a heavy responsibility for not having paid attention to these events in a timely manner." He extended apologies to the citizens of Jeju and the nation for the profound disappointment and anxiety caused by the police's unacceptable misconduct. To address the failures, the police agency has committed to conducting thorough and transparent investigations, publicly disclosing case details, re-examining all missing persons cases within Jeju, and overhauling the system, procedures, and staffing structure for handling such cases.

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I deeply apologize to the citizens of Jeju and the nation who must have felt great disappointment and anxiety due to the police's wrong actions, which should never have happened.