South Korean President Demands Greater Police Accountability After Jeju Cases

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded greater police accountability, responding to public outrage over the handling of several missing-person cases on Jeju island. The calls for reform come as the police force is poised to assume a larger role in criminal investigations following recent legal changes.

"Police are likely to wield the greatest power among state institutions," Lee stated at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. He questioned whether the force could adequately bear the responsibility that comes with such authority, emphasizing that "Responsibility must be strengthened in proportion to the size of the authority."

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Police are likely to wield the greatest power among state institutions.

The controversy erupted after four individuals reported missing on Jeju were found dead over three days through Monday. While the cases were unrelated, allegations surfaced that at least two were closed by the same officer without verifying the missing persons' safety. These claims have prompted an internal review of all 298 missing-person reports handled by that specific officer, with about 10 cases reportedly being examined for possible improper closure.

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Responsibility must be strengthened in proportion to the size of the authority.

One particularly contentious case involved Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman whose disappearance became a national issue after police allegedly closed her case prematurely. Her body was discovered 104 days after she vanished. Another case involved a man in his 60s, whose family reported him missing again, leading to a renewed search that ultimately found his body.

The officer at the center of the allegations was detained Tuesday on suspicion of dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records, and obstructing official duties, according to Yonhap News Agency. The officer has denied the charges, reportedly stating he had contacted the missing individuals. Jeju police declined to comment further on their handling of the cases, which have fueled safety concerns and criticism on social media. Acting National Police Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong has apologized and promised institutional improvements to prevent recurrences, including requiring supervisory sign-off on missing-person case closures.

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We will examine the entire system and make institutional improvements so that this never happens again.