South Korea's leader has ordered the government to establish a police reform agency after the body of a 37-year-old woman missing on Jeju Island was found amid criticism that the police closed the case without a thorough investigation.
On 26 August 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered the government to set up an agency responsible for police reform following public criticism of the police's handling of a missing person case on Jeju Island. This order came just one day after police found the body of Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman who had disappeared on 12 May.
President Lee instructed the Prime Minister's Office to develop a plan for establishing the police reform agency, seeking input from various sectors. He emphasized that since police powers in criminal investigations are increasing, it is essential to strengthen accountability and oversight systems. Furthermore, he urged the police to take greater responsibility in exercising their authority and warned that lapses in discipline and responsibility for public safety are becoming serious problems amid changes that will give police a larger role in criminal investigations.
The South Korean leader's order came amid public dissatisfaction over the case of Jang Mi-ran, who had been missing for more than three months before her body was found on 24 August in a forested area on Jeju Island, about one kilometer from her former residence. The autopsy confirmed it was her body, while police continue to investigate the precise cause of death.
Reports indicate the case became a major issue after it was found that the police officer responsible had previously closed the case without confirming her safety and was accused of recording inaccurate information about the missing person's contacts. This led to the suspension of four commanders overseeing the case and the launch of an internal investigation.
Additionally, the South Korean National Police Agency is reviewing all 298 missing person cases previously handled by the same officer, after discovering other cases were prematurely closed. Authorities are preparing to revise the system so that closing missing person cases requires supervisory review and approval to prevent officers from ending cases independently.
Source: KBS