(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Aug. 28)

The police on Jeju Island have been accused of a lack of credibility following the death of a woman, Jang Mi-ran, who went missing and was found dead 104 days later. The case has raised concerns about the police's ability to investigate crimes properly and earn back public trust. Jang was reported missing by her boyfriend on May 12, three days after she left the lodge where she had stayed with him.

The police closed the case after Bu, a senior police officer, falsely told him that Jang had been found. This decision prevented other officers from conducting a thorough investigation, and the crucial window for finding Jang and potentially saving her life was lost. Bu was subsequently arrested for dereliction of duty. The police's handling of the case has been called into question, with some officers suggesting that Jang's death may have been a suicide, despite the lack of forensic evidence.

The police have emphasized that they will take steps to address the crisis of credibility, including thorough investigations, transparent disclosure of results, and holding those responsible accountable for their mistakes.