Jeju police chief apologizes for mishandling missing person case

Jeju Provincial Police Commissioner Ko Pyung-ki has issued a public apology for the police's mishandling of the missing person case involving Jang Mi-ran, who disappeared 107 days ago. The apology was delivered during a leadership meeting at the Jeju Provincial Police Agency.

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

Commissioner Ko expressed deep regret to the family, acknowledging that the police not only failed in their duty to protect lives and safety but also inflicted further pain through deceitful actions and words. He admitted to a heavy sense of responsibility as the head of Jeju's public security for not addressing the situation promptly.

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

"We have failed in our duty to protect lives and safety, and instead, we have caused irreparable harm to the family through false words and actions," Ko stated. He extended his apologies to the citizens of Jeju and the nation who experienced significant disappointment and anxiety due to the police's misconduct.

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As the chief responsible for Jeju's security, I feel a heavy responsibility for not paying attention in time even though such a situation was occurring.

Ko pledged that the investigation into Jang Mi-ran's case would be thorough, leaving no room for doubt, and its findings would be disclosed transparently. He also committed to reviewing the entire system for handling missing person cases, including procedures and staffing, to implement robust safeguards against future negligence. The police plan to hold a Q&A session with reporters regarding the case and the involved officer, who is currently under investigation for dereliction of duty after allegedly fabricating case closures.

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I deeply apologize to the citizens and the public who felt great disappointment and anxiety due to the police's wrong actions that should never have happened.