"Is This Something a Human Would Do?" Prank Calls Target Family Searching for Missing Jeju Woman

National Office of Investigation Warns Against Secondary Victimization and Mocking Posts
Jang Miran, Woman in Her 30s, Missing for Three Months... Intensive Search Launched

In Jeju, secondary harm is occurring as prank calls are being made and mocking posts are uploaded to the contact number disclosed on social networking services (SNS) by the family of a woman in her 30s who has been missing for more than three months, as they appeal for information about her whereabouts.

A flyer posted by family on social networking service (SNS) to find Ms. Jang Miran, a woman in her 30s.

The National Office of Investigation of the Korean National Police Agency announced on August 21 that, in connection with the recent disappearance of a woman in Jeju, prank calls have been made and unverified information about the missing person has been spread on certain online communities, along with posts ridiculing or belittling her. The authorities added that they are intensifying monitoring of these activities. The Secondary Harm Crime Investigation Division at the Headquarters will not only delete or block posts that are deemed illegal but has also stated its intention to respond with strict law enforcement measures.

A representative from the National Office of Investigation warned, "Such behavior constitutes a serious form of secondary harm that inflicts further emotional distress on the family of the missing person," adding, "Making prank calls or posting secondary harm content online could, depending on the circumstances, constitute offenses such as insult, defamation, or violations of the anti-stalking legislation."

In the midst of inadequate responses such as false closure of missing person reports, the police are preparing for a focused search on the 20th at Hallim Port, Hallim-eup, Jeju City, to find Jang Miran, who has been missing for three months. Photo by Yonhap News

Separate from the secondary harm issue, the police have come under criticism for an inadequate initial response to the case.

According to the Jeju Metropolitan Police Agency, the initial missing person report for Jang Miran (age 37) was filed on May 15. However, at that time, Officer A of the Missing Persons Team at the Jeju Western Police Station closed the case on their own after just two hours without confirming Jang’s safety. It has been reported that the officer claimed to have made contact with her, but there is no record of such a call.

The police have decided to add an administrator approval process to the Missing Person Profiling System. This system manages reporting and discovery information for missing children and adults and supports investigations. Until now, case closures could be processed directly by the assigned officer in the system. Going forward, when an officer requests the closure of a missing person case, an administrator will review the reasons and relevant entry details before giving final approval.

Meanwhile, the police are conducting a joint intensive search with related organizations from the morning of August 21 to find Ms. Jang, who has been missing for three months. Until August 26, around 140 personnel from the Korea Coast Guard, Sea Environment Keepers, and other public and private organizations will be mobilized daily. Various equipment—including drones, scent detection dogs, helicopters, and patrol vessels—will also be deployed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.