Jeju Police Reinvestigate Officer Amidst Suspicions of Falsifying Missing Persons Case Closures

Jeju police have launched a comprehensive review of all missing persons cases managed by a police officer suspected of fabricating case closures. The officer, a sergeant in their 30s at the Jeju Western Police Station, is under investigation for allegedly mishandling the case of Jang Mi-ran, 37, who disappeared on May 12. Authorities are concerned that other missing persons cases may have been improperly closed based on false reports. The officer reportedly closed Jang's case just over two hours after the initial report, stating she was safe, despite her phone being unreachable. This reinvestigation aims to uncover any further instances of misconduct. However, the process is expected to be lengthy and difficult. Many missing persons cases remain unresolved, and crucial communication records may have been deleted after the one-year retention period expired. This situation highlights significant challenges in managing and resolving missing persons investigations in the region.