A police officer identified by the surname Bu was arrested earlier this month following accusations that he closed missing persons cases prematurely without conducting proper investigations and provided false information to families of the missing. The officer’s conduct prompted authorities to reopen cases and conduct searches on Jeju, a popular holiday destination, during recent weeks. These efforts resulted in the discovery of four bodies.
Investigations by the Jeju Provincial Police confirmed that Bu falsely closed at least two high-profile cases and faces charges including forgery of public electronic records, obstruction of official duties, and dereliction of duty. In both documented cases, Bu claimed to have contacted the missing individuals and then closed their cases without verifying their whereabouts or safety. During questioning, Bu acknowledged his actions, explaining that he was motivated to close cases to reduce his workload and due to pressure related to case handovers.
One case involved a 37-year-old woman named Jang Mi-ran who disappeared in May. Bu falsely told her boyfriend that he had contacted Jang and that she did not wish to meet with police or be reached by her boyfriend. Bu entered fabricated information into official systems and falsely recorded that Jang had died in a traffic accident before closing the case. Her body was subsequently located near a palm tree plantation on Jeju. In a second case, a man in his 60s reported missing in July was similarly subject to false claims by Bu, who incorrectly stated the man did not wish to be contacted. The man was found dead earlier this month.
Police believe Bu may have improperly closed approximately 25 additional missing persons cases, though in some instances the individuals were confirmed to be alive and safe. The incident has triggered significant public backlash and prompted President Lee Jae Myung to announce police reform measures. The scandal arrives during a politically contentious period, as the government recently transferred full investigative powers from prosecutors to police—a change intended to reduce prosecutorial political influence but widely unpopular with the public due to longstanding concerns about police corruption and competence.
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