장미란씨 ‘실종 조작종결’ 101일 만에 주검으로…이 대통령 “철저한 진상 규명”

In a case that began 101 days ago, the body of presumed missing woman Ji Moon-ra has been discovered. This discovery comes after the police had previously falsified a report regarding her disappearance. The criticism towards the police has grown as they concealed the truth behind the case. On the 24th, the Jeju Police Agency announced that they had recovered a person resembling Ji at 10:46 am in Haneul-myeon, Jeju City.

Items such as her mobile phone and clothing from the day of her disappearance were found at the scene. The police plan to verify her identity through DNA analysis. The body was found in a cherry orchard, approximately 400 meters away and 5 minutes' walk from the pension where Ji had been staying for an extended period. Police sources stated that they believe the crime to be unlikely.

Ji went missing on the night of May 12 at 10:15 pm, leaving no contact with anyone. Her boyfriend reported her missing to the 112 emergency hotline on May 15, but the Jeju Central Police Station's homicide investigation unit issued a false statement that she had contacted her. Two months after Ji's disappearance, her family began reporting her through social media, prompting the police to launch a comprehensive search on March 20.

Ji's boyfriend was found dead two days later. Another missing person, a 60-year-old man, was also found dead on March 22. Jeju Province's legal authorities arrested the police chief on March 22 for his alleged misconduct, including embezzlement of public funds, and decided on his immediate release. However, the specialized investigation team responsible for this case demanded that the court grant a search warrant for the chief's arrest.

The police chief, who had been working for the homicide investigation team since last March, processed 298 missing persons cases during his tenure. Chief of the Presidential Secretariat, Kang Yu-jung, has instructed President Yoon Suk-yeol to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire investigation process and to review the overall command and supervision system of the incident.

He expressed his regret, stating that he conveyed a very regrettable sentiment and that President Yoon will ensure the implementation of necessary corrective measures, including reforms within the police force itself.