National Investigation Chief Visits Jeju Amid 'Falsely Closed' Missing Person Case Scandal

Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Investigation Headquarters (NIH), visited the Jeju Provincial Police Agency on August 23 to apologize for structural problems exposed during the investigation of a missing 30-year-old woman. The case is under scrutiny due to allegations that it was "falsely closed."

During a two-hour investigation meeting at the Jeju Provincial Police Agency, Hong focused on reviewing the progress and actions taken in the case. The meeting addressed strong criticisms regarding the inadequate handling of the missing person case and discussed necessary additional investigations and improvements. Hong stressed that not only the officers directly involved but also their supervisors and managers must take responsibility for the case processing.

“

Please search with the mindset of finding the missing person for their family.

He emphasized that even as systemic improvements are being made, investigations at the scene must be conducted with utmost diligence and without any oversight. The NIH is currently conducting a nationwide survey across all police stations to identify any instances of falsely closed missing person cases. Hong instructed the Jeju Provincial Police Agency to thoroughly examine related cases.

Furthermore, Hong ordered that all available police resources be deployed to maximize efforts in locating the missing person. After the meeting, he visited the search site in Hallim-eup, Jeju City, to check the search area and progress. "Please search with the mindset of finding the missing person for their family," Hong urged. "Missing person cases are directly related to the lives and safety of the public, so they must be handled with the utmost accuracy and speed."

“

Missing person cases are directly related to the lives and safety of the public, so they must be handled with the utmost accuracy and speed.