Bodies found on S Korean holiday island as missing persons scandal deepens
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Four people previously reported missing have been found dead on South Korea’s Jeju island, intensifying criticism that police mishandled their cases. A police sergeant, surnamed Bu, has been arrested on suspicion of misleading families and closing reports without properly confirming the missing people’s whereabouts, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to order broad police reforms.
Among those found was 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who disappeared in May and was discovered at a palm tree farm about 500 metres from where she had been staying; police believe she took her own life. A Jeju City man in his 60s, missing since 28 June, was also found dead after his family had reportedly been told he was safe; police are reviewing nearly 300 cases handled by Bu, while four senior officers have been put on administrative leave.
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In short
- Four missing people were found dead on Jeju.
- A police sergeant faces accusations of mishandling cases.
- President Lee ordered sweeping police reforms.
How this story developed
- 2 months ago Police on the South Korean holiday island of Jeju have now recovered four bodies of people previously reported missing, as public anger grows over claims that officers mishandled missing persons cases.
- 2 months ago Police on the South Korean holiday island of Jeju have found the bodies of four people who had been reported missing, amid growing public anger over allegations that officers mishandled missing persons cases.
- 2 months ago Four people previously reported missing have been found dead on South Korea’s Jeju island, intensifying criticism that police mishandled their cases.
Where outlets differ
Centre outlets 1
Only here: bodies, korean, holiday, scandal, deepens
Right-leaning outlets 1
Only here: paradise, honeymooner, rocked, four, dead
Every side used: found, island, missing, persons
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Explained simply
Jeju is a popular South Korean island known for tourism, but it is also served by the same police system as the rest of the country. Missing-person reports are usually handled by local officers, who are expected to check a person’s safety, keep families informed and continue inquiries until there is a clear outcome.
The case has drawn attention because several people reported missing were later found dead, while relatives say they were given misleading assurances. One officer is suspected of closing reports too early, and the wider force is reviewing his past work as officials consider changes to police procedures.
South Korea has relatively low levels of violent crime, but suicide is a major public-health concern. The issue also comes at a sensitive time for the police, which have recently taken on broader investigative responsibilities that were previously held more heavily by prosecutors.
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