Jeju police chief apologises for handling of missing person investigations

The police chief of South Korea's Jeju province acknowledged failings in how authorities dealt with a number of missing person investigations, expressing regret over the department's performance in handling the cases.

The public apology came as concerns mounted over lapses in investigative procedures and case management. The official took responsibility for the shortcomings, recognising the impact on victims' families and the broader public trust in law enforcement.

In response to the controversy, the police chief committed to initiating a thorough examination of the affected cases. The review is intended to identify procedural gaps and implement measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in future investigations.

The pledge for transparency and accountability marks an effort to restore confidence in local police operations. Authorities indicated that findings from the investigation would be disclosed to the public and relevant stakeholders as the review progresses.