Senior police officers in South Korea’s Jeju removed from duty over missing-person scandal

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   South Korea's Jeju police officers removed over missing-person scandal

   Senior police officers in Jeju, South Korea, have been removed from duty amid a scandal involving falsified missing-person reports. A police officer admitted to closing cases to avoid extra work, and records of missing children and dementia patients were also deleted. The Jeju police chief previously denied any cover-up, but public distrust has grown. The national police agency has taken disciplinary actions, including banning staff dinners and issuing a special discipline alert.

   Why it matters

   The scandal has raised concerns about systemic oversight gaps and investigative quality within South Korea's police force. The issue has garnered international attention, with media outlets like Reuters and AP covering the investigation. The police force has seen significant changes, including a high turnover of investigators and reduced disciplinary measures for officers.

   What is confirmed

   • A total of 354 South Korean police officers had disciplinary measures reduced, canceled or voided through administrative appeals over the past five years.
   • Nearly 1,900 investigators left South Korea's police over five years, while cases per investigator rose 33%.
   • A police officer on Jeju admitted closing missing persons cases to avoid extra work.
   • The Jeju police officer deleted 63 missing-person records, including cases of children and dementia patients.

   Still unconfirmed

   • President Lee Jae Myung ordered an investigation into the handling of Jang Mi-ran's case

   What to watch next

   • Further disciplinary actions against Jeju police officers
   • Outcome of the investigation into the handling of missing-person reports
   • Impact on the quality of investigations within South Korea's police force
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. en.sedaily.com — 354 Police Officers Had Discipline Reduced or Voided Over 5 Years
   2. en.sedaily.com — Nearly 1,900 Investigators Quit Korean Police in Five Years
   3. www.yahoo.com — Police officer closed missing persons cases on Korean island ‘to avoid work’
   4. www.courthousenews.com — South Korea cop closed missing persons cases to avoid work: Police
   5. en.sedaily.com — Jeju Officer Also Deleted Records of Missing Children, Dementia Patients
   6. en.sedaily.com — Longest-Serving Acting Police Chief Steps Down After 15 Months
   confidence 90%
2. 3d ago

   Jeju Police Face Global Scrutiny Over Falsified Missing-Person Reports

   The South Korean national police agency banned staff dinners for 10 days and issued a special discipline alert following a series of misconduct cases. This action follows a scandal in Jeju where an officer falsely closed missing-person reports, including the case of Jang Mi-ran. While the Jeju police chief denied any cover-up and pledged a full probe, the falsification of documents in two cases has fueled public distrust. International media outlets including Reuters and AP are now covering the investigation into the systemic oversight gaps.

   Why it matters

   Four bodies were discovered on Jeju Island within three days. President Lee Jae Myung demanded higher police accountability after senior officers were removed from duty for mishandling these cases.

   What is confirmed

   • Four missing people were found dead within three days on Jeju Island.
   • A Jeju police officer is accused of falsely closing missing-person reports, including the case of Jang Mi-ran.
   • Reuters, AP and Japanese broadcasters are reporting on the Jeju police officer's actions.
   • The Jeju police chief pledged a full investigation and denied any attempt to cover up the case.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The falsification of documents occurred in two missing person cases.
   • The national police agency banned staff dinners for 10 days and issued a special discipline alert.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the police chief's full probe into the falsified reports
   • Further disciplinary actions from the national police agency
   • Official findings on the cause of the four deaths on Jeju Island
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. english.mathrubhumi.com — Jeju Island deaths: Is it safe for tourists to visit? Flights and safety explained
   2. en.sedaily.com — Foreign Media Spotlight Jeju Police Officer's False Closure of Missing-Person Cases
   3. en.sedaily.com — Jeju Police Chief Vows Full Probe Into Falsely Closed Missing-Person Case
   4. www.arkansasonline.com — S. Korean police scandal deepens public mistrust
   5. en.sedaily.com — Korean Police Ban Staff Dinners for 10 Days After String of Misconduct Cases
   confidence 90%
3. 5d ago

   Jeju Police Senior Officers Suspended Amid Missing Persons Scandal

   Senior police officers in Jeju have been removed from duty following a scandal involving the mishandling of missing-person cases. A police officer was jailed for falsely closing reports, including the case of Jang Mi-ran, who was later found dead. In total, four bodies were discovered on the island within three days. President Lee Jae Myung has called for increased police accountability amid public outrage. The Jeju police chief has apologized and promised a transparent investigation into the systemic failures in supervision and verification.

   Why it matters

   The scandal centers on allegations that an officer falsified records for 200 missing persons cases. This has sparked a national debate on how South Korea handles missing adults. Public fear has grown regarding safety on the island, traditionally viewed as a tourist destination.

   What is confirmed

   • Senior police officers in Jeju were suspended for failures in supervision and verification regarding missing-person cases.
   • Four people reported missing were found dead on Jeju Island within three days.
   • President Lee Jae Myung called for greater police accountability following public outrage.
   • A Jeju police officer was jailed for falsely closing missing-person reports.
   • The Jeju police chief apologized and pledged a transparent investigation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The officer who falsified records had previously won 10 commendations, including one from the national police chief.

   What to watch next

   • Legal proceedings or indictments regarding the falsification of 200 missing persons cases.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Reuters — South Korea's Lee calls for greater police accountability after Jeju missing-person cases
   2. Yonhap News Agency — Discovered body confirmed to be of woman missing in Jeju: police
   3. BBC — South Korea police find four bodies on Jeju island as missing persons scandal deepens
   4. Korea JoongAng Daily — Some police officers can't fathom why a colleague would falsify 200 missing persons cases and lie
   5. Asia News Network — Senior police officers in South Korea’s Jeju removed from duty over missing-person scandal
   6. www.straitstimes.com — Senior police officers in South Korea’s Jeju removed from duty over missing-person scandal
   7. www.yahoo.com — South Korea's Lee calls for greater police accountability after Jeju missing person cases
   8. www.nbcnews.com — South Korean president calls for greater police accountability after Jeju missing-person cases
   9. english.mathrubhumi.com — Four bodies, missing-person cases and a police scandal: What is happening on Jeju Island?
   10. www.straitstimes.com — From romantic getaway to hotbed of crime? Rumour mill fans Jeju fears
   11. www.koreaherald.com — Jang Mi-ran case leaves Korea asking how to handle missing adults
   12. en.sedaily.com — Jeju Officer Who Buried Missing-Person Cases Won 10 Commendations
   confidence 90%