Police document falsification in missing-person cases stokes public anger in South Korea

A widening scandal over a police officer's alleged falsification of missing-person reports has deepened public distrust in South Korean law enforcement, just as the country prepares to grant police greater investigative authority.

The controversy centers on an officer identified only by his surname, Bu, who is accused of closing two missing-person cases without verifying the individuals' safety. In one instance, Bu allegedly told a woman's boyfriend that he had contacted her by phone and that she requested her whereabouts remain undisclosed — a claim that was later found to be false. The woman, 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, had been missing for over three months before her body was discovered on Monday at a palm tree farm on Jeju Island.

In a separate case, Bu reportedly closed a missing-person report for a 60-year-old man last month using a similarly false statement. The man's body was found on Saturday, also on Jeju. Two other missing individuals were found dead on the island over the weekend, though Bu was not involved in their cases.

Bu was arrested on Monday. Police have since announced a review of all 298 missing-person reports he handled since last year, seeking to understand why he mishandled the cases.

Acting National Police Agency Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong apologized before a parliamentary committee, attributing the failures to both individual misconduct and systemic shortcomings. He noted that under a now-suspended system, officers could close missing-person reports without supervisory approval. Interior and Safety Minister Yun Hojung and Jeju's police chief Ko Pyeong-ki also issued separate apologies.

The scandal has intensified public anxiety, especially after earlier criticism over police conduct in a high-profile murder case. An editorial in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper questioned where citizens can turn when even reporting a disappearance does not guarantee an investigation.

Jeju, often called the "Hawaii of Korea" for its scenic beauty, has seen its reputation as a safe tourist destination come under scrutiny. Social media has been rife with unverified claims, though officials say tourist numbers have not significantly changed.

On Thursday, Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon announced safety measures, including an integrated response manual, more security cameras, and joint patrols by police and civilian volunteers. "We will concentrate all our efforts on protecting the everyday lives of Jeju residents and visitors and upholding public confidence in Jeju as a safe destination," he said.

President Lee Jae-myung has also directed his prime minister to explore police reform options, as the country moves toward a criminal justice restructuring that will shift investigative powers from prosecutors to police.