During the 1997 International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial crisis, a woman who was treated as dead after leaving home and losing contact with her family reunited with her family for the first time in 24 years.
According to the Namyangju Nambu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province today (the 5th), Mo (62) Kang, a 62-year-old man, lost contact after leaving the house saying he wanted to earn money 24 years ago when his family became difficult due to the economic crisis.
The family searched for Kang's whereabouts, but it was unknown, and in the end, Kang was treated as a deceased in 2011.
After that, the family thought Kang was dead.
However, on the 31st of last month, the police, who received a report that 'a person has fallen on the road', rescued the collapsed woman and confirmed the identity of the woman.
A police official said, "At first, I suspected that the living person was being treated as a dead person and was involved in an insurance crime, but through a statement investigation, I came to know a pitiful situation."
After leaving home, Mr. Kang suffered financial difficulties, and he also had health problems, so he cut off contact with his family and was found to have lived alone in a jjok room without loss.
The police disappearance investigation team interviewed Mr. Kang and identified the whereabouts of the brothers he remembers as a clue.
He also persuaded Kang to meet with his family.
On the 4th, Kang had a tearful reunion with his older sister and brother at Namyangju Nambu Police Station.
Kang said, "I have not had the opportunity to see my family, so I have been alone, but I always miss you.
The police will cooperate with the local government to assist with administrative procedures such as requesting the cancellation of Kang's disappearance declaration.
(Photo = provided by Namyangju Nambu Police Station, Yonhap News)