South Korean Prime Minister orders probe into Jeju police misconduct

Prime Minister Han Seong-suk has ordered a thorough investigation into the Korean National Police Agency following allegations of falsified investigation records and improper closures of missing persons cases in Jeju. The directive comes after it was revealed that a police officer had repeatedly closed missing persons reports without conducting searches, including one case where a man was found dead 51 days after his disappearance.

In one instance, the officer allegedly provided false information to a family, claiming a missing person was safe and did not wish to be located. The officer has been arrested, and authorities are investigating whether other records were manipulated or concealed.

In response, Prime Minister Han has instructed the police to conduct a nationwide comprehensive audit of all missing persons cases to identify any illegal or unfair handling. She also called for systemic reforms, such as separating the personnel responsible for case processing from those responsible for case closure, to restore public trust in the police force.