Jeju: Police said Tuesday they have placed four officers on administrative leave in connection with the premature closure of a missing person case on the southern island of Jeju amid allegations of misconduct.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Police Agency announced that it placed the head of the Jeju Seobu Police Station, the station's former chief, and two senior investigators on standby. This action is part of an internal investigation into their handling of the case.

This development follows the discovery of what is believed to be the body of a missing woman, 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran. Her remains were found on the island on Monday during an intensive search that was initiated only after a police officer closed the case prematurely. The case was initially filed in May.

The officer in question is accused of closing the case without verifying Jang's safety and falsely reporting contact with her. This incident has led to increased scrutiny of local police procedures, especially after the bodies of other missing persons were found since the search for Jang began late last week.