A Jeju police officer accused of improperly closing two missing-person investigations—both involving individuals who were later found dead—had previously faced allegations of domestic violence and was investigated in connection with an incident involving a women’s restroom, according to local media reports.

The new revelations have intensified scrutiny over why the officer, identified only by the surname Bu, was assigned to handle missing-person cases despite earlier allegations of misconduct.

According to local reports, police received a domestic violence complaint involving Bu in 2023, triggering an internal disciplinary review. Officers responded to the incident, but the case was closed at the scene. Bu ultimately received only a formal warning, with no additional disciplinary measures taken.

Separately, Bu came under investigation after allegedly entering a women’s restroom at the police station where he worked on July 22. He was removed from active duty on Aug. 11, about a week before allegations surfaced that he had mishandled the disappearance of Jang Mi-ran.

On Monday, authorities discovered a body believed to be Jang’s at a palm farm in Hallim-eup on Jeju Island, bringing a tragic end to a search that had lasted more than three months.

Under South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, anyone who enters a public restroom or bath designated for the opposite sex for the purpose of sexual gratification can face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won (about $2,170).

The latest disclosures have raised broader concerns about police oversight and accountability. Authorities are now reviewing all 298 missing-person cases handled by Bu during his approximately 17 months on the missing-persons unit to determine whether other investigations may have been improperly closed.

Bu is currently under investigation on charges that include dereliction of duty and falsifying official electronic recordsin connection with two missing-person cases.

Investigators allege that in both cases Bu falsely documented that he had contacted the missing individuals before closing the investigations. Subsequent inquiries found no evidence those contacts ever occurred, and both missing people were later found dead, prompting a wider investigation into his handling of the cases.