Four bodies have been discovered on South Korea's Jeju Island over a 72-hour period, leading to an investigation and scrutiny of local police practices.
At least four individuals, previously reported missing, were found dead on trails and in residential areas over three days through Monday. One body, identified as Jang Mi Ran, 37, was found on Monday, approximately 104 days after she was reported missing. Another man in his 60s was found on Saturday, more than 50 days after his missing complaint was filed. A man in his 70s was found by a person fishing, and a fourth body was discovered near a valley in Aewol-eup, Jeju City, on Monday.
A 35-year-old police officer, surnamed Bu, has been arrested on suspicion of dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records, and obstructing official duties, related to the premature closure of multiple missing persons cases. The officer has denied the charges, claiming he contacted Jang and the man in his 60s before closing their cases, but police have not found records to support this.
The allegations have led to a review of all 298 missing-person reports handled by the officer, with about 10 cases being examined for possible improper closure. Four senior officers at Jeju Seobu police station have been suspended, and the National Police Agency is conducting an internal inspection into their supervision of cases. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for increased police accountability following public concern over the handling of missing persons cases on the island.
Separately, a former police officer was arrested for allegedly stabbing his estranged wife to death in Seogwipo city on the island. Police reportedly believe the suspected stabbing was motivated by an ongoing divorce. The ex-officer has denied the charges.