President Lee Jae-myung ordered a thorough investigation into the entire police investigation process regarding the discovery of a body suspected to be Jang Mi-ran (37), who went missing in Jeju last May, today (August 24).

Senior Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated in a briefing today that upon receiving the news of the body's discovery, President Lee expressed his devastated feelings and deep sorrow.

President Lee also ordered a review of the circumstances under which the missing person case was closed and the overall police command and supervision system.

Furthermore, Spokesperson Kang explained that President Lee instructed authorities to prepare internal police reform measures, including institutional safeguards and fundamental renewal plans.

Jang was reported missing last May, but the case became controversial after it was revealed that Police Officer A, then assigned to the Jeju Seobu Police Station, lied to the reporter by claiming they had made contact with her before arbitrarily closing the case.

It was revealed that Police Officer A had also falsely closed another missing person case involving a man in his 60s who was found dead in a skeletal state on August 22, in addition to Jang's case.

Some observers note that the incident is drawing heightened attention because inappropriate police investigations have come under fire at a time when public concerns remain unresolved regarding the ruling bloc's push for the complete abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights.

Analyses suggest that the President's strong call for internal police reform measures may also take into account the sensitivity of the issue.

(Photo: Yonhap News)