South Korean police scandal over missing-person cases deepens public distrust
Ko Pyeong-gi apologized after two missing-person cases were wrongly closed, and police said they are reviewing 298 reports handled by the officer.
- On Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for greater police accountability regarding missing-person cases on Jeju, stating responsibility must increase alongside the force's expanding investigative authority.
- Public outrage followed the discovery of Jang Mi-ran's body on August 24, 104 days after she vanished, amid allegations that an officer closed her case without confirming her safety.
- Investigators are reviewing all 298 missing-person reports handled by the officer, with about 10 cases being examined for possible improper closure despite the officer's denials.
- Acting National Police Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong apologized and ordered supervisory sign-off on case closures, with the force's investigative role expanding in October following case-management system upgrades.
- More than 70,000 missing-person reports are filed annually, with these reforms coinciding with the Democratic Party's July decision to strip prosecutors of their remaining investigative powers.
35 Articles
35 Articles
In South Korea, four bodies were found on the volcanic island of Jeju, a tourist destination in the far south of the country, which has made headlines for this gruesome case. The actions of an investigator have turned the affair into a controversy over the capabilities of the police amidst ongoing reforms to the judicial system.
The discovery of four bodies in just 72 hours caused a crisis in the police of Jeju Island, one of the main tourist destinations of South Korea. A sergeant was arrested on suspicion of prematurely closing hundreds of cases of missing persons and providing false information to families. Understand why the trial of alleged mentor of September 11 should only take place more than 20 years after the attacks Four people die after a small plane fell in…
Associated Press News
South Korean police scandal over missing-person cases deepens public distrust
A South Korean police officer's alleged falsification of documents in two missing-person cases has exposed gaps in police oversight and fueled public distrust.
In a case where the Jeju Police falsely closed a missing person case and declared the individual deceased, it was confirmed that the officer in charge re-inquired about the missing person's location after a new report was filed. The officer in question was arrested on charges of arbitrarily closing a past case and entering false data, and the initial inquiry records were deleted due to the expiration of the retention period.
Jeju police chief apologizes over mishandling of missing person cases
The chief of the Jeju Provincial Police Agency issued a public apology Thursday for the police's mishandling of missing person cases, which recently came to light following the deaths of two individuals on the southern resort island. "I sincerely apologize to the two individuals who were unable to reunite with their families and to their bereaved families," Ko Pyeong-ki said during a command meeting at the agency. "I feel a profound sense of res…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
