An investigation on Jeju Island has exposed a serious scandal in South Korea’s police force, where an officer is suspected of improperly closing several missing persons cases in order to avoid further work.
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The officer, identified by the surname Boo, has been arrested on suspicion of falsifying official records. He told family members that he had contacted their missing relatives, although investigators say he had not made any such communication or carried out any verification.
After the case was uncovered, authorities reopened several of the files. Four bodies have been found in recent weeks, while police are also reviewing 25 other cases to determine whether they were prematurely closed by the same officer.
One of the cases involves 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who was reported missing by her partner in May. Boo is suspected of telling her partner that he had spoken with the woman and that she did not want to meet or have contact with the police. However, a subsequent investigation found that the communication had never taken place.
Jang’s body was discovered last week near a palm plantation on Jeju Island. Another case involved a man in his 60s who was reported missing in July. In his case as well, the officer is suspected of claiming that he had spoken with the man and that he did not want to contact anyone. He was found dead at the beginning of this month.
During questioning, the officer is suspected of admitting that he had not treated files involving adults seriously, as closing them would reduce his workload. He has been charged with falsifying public electronic records, obstructing official duties and abuse of office.
Authorities are now also analyzing the other files handled by Boo to determine whether there are additional missing people whose cases were closed without their fate actually being verified.
The case has gone beyond the scope of a police scandal and has also taken on a political dimension in South Korea. President Lee Jae-myung has promised reforms to the police, while the government is seeking to grant police structures broader investigative powers as part of changes to the justice system.
The debate over expanding these powers is taking place in a tense climate, as police face criticism over corruption and incompetence. For this reason, the case has triggered strong reactions across the country.
