Jeju Police Chief Apologizes to Public, Vows Full Reinvestigation of All Missing Persons Cases

Jeju Police Chief Ko Pyung-ki bowed his head in apology on August 27, addressing the mishandling of missing person Go Mi-ran's case. The apology, delivered at a leadership meeting, came 13 days after a formal investigation began into the officer who falsely closed the case, and 107 days after Ms. Go's disappearance.

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First, 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.

"First, 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," Ko stated. He acknowledged the police's failure to uphold their duty to protect citizens' lives and safety, admitting that "false words and actions" had inflicted "indelible wounds" on the families. The chief expressed a heavy sense of responsibility for not addressing the issue promptly.

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

Ko also apologized to the residents of Jeju and the broader public for the disappointment and anxiety caused by the police's misconduct. He emphasized that finding missing persons and returning them safely to their families is the police's most crucial duty, vowing that such an incident must never happen again. The agency committed to a thorough investigation of Ms. Go's case, promising to reveal the findings transparently.

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I also bow my head deeply in apology to the residents of Jeju and the citizens of the country who felt great disappointment and anxiety due to the police's unacceptable actions.

In a significant move, the Jeju Police Agency announced a full reinvestigation of all missing persons cases within the province. This measure aims to identify any further errors and ensure that no other cases were mishandled. The agency is also reviewing its systems, procedures, and staffing for handling missing persons reports to establish robust, multi-layered safeguards against future negligence. The chief pledged to implement thorough changes until public trust is regained.

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Finding missing persons and returning them safely to their families is the most important duty of the police, and such an incident must never happen again.