With a police officer arrested on charges of falsely closing cases including that of long-missing Jeju resident Jang Mi-ran, 37, Jeju Police Commissioner Go Pyeong-gi apologized.
Commissioner Go, speaking in opening remarks before a leadership meeting on the 27th morning, said, "I bow my head in apology to the two deceased who could not return to their families' arms and to the bereaved families who must be experiencing indescribable, profound sorrow."
Commissioner Go said, "Not only did the police, who must be responsible for the people's lives and safety, abandon that duty, but we also inflicted an indelible wound on the families with false words and actions," adding, "Even as this was happening, we failed to catch it in time. As the commissioner responsible for Jeju's public safety, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility."
He continued, "I also bow my head in deep apology to Jeju residents and the public, who must have felt great disappointment and anxiety due to the police's wrongful actions that should never have occurred," adding, "This must never happen again. We will conduct a thorough investigation of this case so that not a single doubt remains, and we will disclose the results without any concealment."
Commissioner Go said he would conduct a comprehensive reinvestigation of all missing-person cases in Jeju and review the overall status of the systems, procedures, and staffing structures that handle such cases. He also said he would establish double and triple safeguards to prevent negligence.
Commissioner Go said, "I once again bow my head in apology, and I promise that we will pursue thorough change until the public shows us trust again."