Jeju missing person case reopens amid police misconduct allegations

The family of Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman who has been missing from Jeju since May 12, is appealing for public help after her disappearance was allegedly mishandled by police.

According to reports, Jang disappeared from her home in Hallim-eup, Jeju, between late evening on May 12 and the early morning of May 13. At the time of her disappearance, she was described as approximately 158cm tall, having a slim build, long straight hair, and wearing a gold bracelet.

Controversy has arisen regarding the initial police response. A police officer on night duty, identified as Sergeant A, reportedly told superiors that contact had been made with the missing person, leading to the case being closed. However, the family maintained they had no contact, prompting a new report last month.

Police have since launched a reinvestigation, considering both runaway and missing person possibilities. No recent activity, such as credit card usage, mobile phone records, or hospital visits, has been detected. Authorities are also investigating whether Sergeant A actually spoke with Jang. The officer has been relieved of duty following separate allegations of misconduct involving a police station restroom.