Calls grow to revise law on identity disclosure for missing adults

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 04:49

Calls grow to revise law on identity disclosure for missing adults

Posted : 2022-07-08 16:49

Updated : 2022-07-10 14:19

A flyer looking for Kim Ga-eul, who has been missing since June 27, after last being seen near Gayang Station in Gangseo District, southwestern Seoul. This flyer was made and distributed by Kim's sister. Screenshot from Instagram account of Kim's sister

By Lee Yeon-woo

If an adult goes missing under the current law, that person's family has no choice but to lead the search for their missing family member on their own, as police are not allowed to disclose the missing person's identity to the public.

However, seeing as more than 60,000 adults go missing annually, including those who disappear voluntarily, some are saying it is time to consider revising the law.

Kim Ga-eul, an office worker in her 20s, has been missing since June 27, after last being seen near Gayang Station in Gangseo District, southwestern Seoul. The family wanted to publicize her identity and photo with the help of the police, but they found it impossible under the current law.

"Without the person's consent, we cannot reveal the (missing person's) identity to the public," the police told the family. The family instead decided to reveal her profile photo and CCTV footage in multiple online communities in the effort to find any clues of her whereabouts.

Separately, when a family of three was found missing on June 26 in Wando, an island off the southwestern coast, the police took similar measures. The police revealed only the name and a photo of the family's 10-year-old daughter in the hopes of receiving clues, but kept those of her parents confidential for the same reason. The three were later found dead inside their family car when it was pulled out of the water off the coast of Wando.

The police said that if the reason a person went missing is unclear, they cannot disclose that person's private information, as no legal basis exists to do so for adults who go missing. The missing person could have run away voluntarily, even if the family deeply believes the case to be accidental or related to a crime. It could go against the missing person's wishes if the police were to disclose information on them and might violate the Personal Information Protection Act. The only exceptions are for adults who have intellectual disabilities or dementia.

On the other hand, the police are mandated to jump on investigations without delay if a child is reported to be missing, according to the Act on the Protection and Support of Missing Children. The police can reveal the child's identity publicly and track their location during investigations if necessary.

However, calls are growing that some missing adults are also in need of immediate search and rescue just like children. Considering the possibility of crime-related abductions and kidnappings, the identities of missing adults should be released to secure public testimonies. Under the current law, the family of the missing person has no choice but to struggle to search without help from the police or other government organizations.

Last year, 66,259 people over the age of 18 were reported missing, following 67,612 in 2020, 75,432 in 2019 and 75,592 in 2018, according to the Korean National Police Agency.

yanu@koreatimes.co.kr