Jeju Police Officer Exposed for Closing Missing Person Cases

A South Korean police officer, surnamed Bu, was arrested early this month after police authorities found that he had closed dozens of missing‑person cases on Jeju Island without conducting proper investigations. Bu admitted that he deliberately stopped the cases to avoid extra work, and that he fabricated records claiming he had spoken to the missing individuals.

In two high‑profile incidents, Bu falsely logged that he had spoken to a 37‑year‑old woman named Jang Mi‑ran, who was later found dead near a palm tree plantation, and to a man in his 60s who vanished in July, who was subsequently discovered deceased. Both cases were closed by Bu before any reliable evidence existed.

Police say Bu may have prematurely closed another 25 missing‑person cases, with some of those individuals later announced as alive and safe. Authorities charged him with forgery of public electronic records, obstruction of official duties, and dereliction of duty. His stated justification was that he believed the cases could become overwhelming if left open, reflecting a “pressure” to transfer responsibility.

The scandal has intensified scrutiny of South Korea’s police force, which recently received broad investigative powers from prosecutors. President Lee Jae‑Myung has pledged reforms, condemning the “loach‑like figures” who tarnish the reputation of the majority of diligent officers. The incident underscores longstanding public concerns about corruption and incompetence within law enforcement.

While violent crime remains low in South Korea, the country faces a high suicide rate and reports over 70,000 missing adults each year, most of which are resolved quickly. The current controversy may influence the government’s approach to police oversight and investigative integrity.