Interior minister apologizes over police mishandling of missing person case in Jeju

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung expressed regret over the alleged mishandling of a missing person case on Jeju Island on Wednesday, promising a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The issue gained national prominence after a police officer closed the case in May, without verifying the woman's safety. Her remains were discovered on Monday following a thorough search conducted by law enforcement last week.

Yun, alongside police leadership, sincerely apologized to the public during a meeting with senior officials. The minister emphasized the necessity of uncovering the full truth behind the Jeju case. Yun instructed police officials to determine if the case may be linked to more serious misconduct, and to examine other missing person cases nationwide for potential wrongdoing.

He further stated that the incident revealed a structural flaw in the way police handle missing person cases, calling for a wider inspection of the current system to bring about necessary improvements.

The police officer responsible for the case was found to have concluded it hours after the woman's boyfriend reported her missing.