Mystery Solved: Missing Family Found Out of State

UPDATE at 12:15 p.m.

Investigators in Frederick, MD, may have solved the mystery of a family who left home without a word – or their belongings.

The couple and their three children were missing for 11 days without a word to co-workers or friends, which prompted police to sound the alarm. But on Monday, authorities said the family contacted consulate officials to say they have re-located to North Carolina.

The Frederick County Bureau of Investigation went public Friday with its search for the Joo family of Bravehart Drive in Frederick. Myung Joo, 33, his wife, Youn Kim, 35, and their three children, Laura Joo, 5, Jenna Joo, 3, and Brandon Joo, 1, were reported missing since Oct. 23.

A family friend reported Myung Joo missing when he did not return to work as expected about 5 p.m. that day, according to the sheriff’s department.

Investigators say the Joo family was not at their residence. One of the family vehicles, a 2005 Mercury sedan bearing Maryland registration A386986 is missing, and both family cell phones had been turned off.

Laura Joo was checked out of school early on Oct. 23 by her father.
The family, who is originally from South Korea, has no relatives in the area. Family members have not shown up on international flights from the area; investigators have contacted the South Korean Consulate General for help.

Seriff’s office spokeswoman Amanda Hatcher told Patch on Monday that investigators talked to the Korean Consulate this morning and were told the Joo family contacted them Monday morning.

“They were told the family relocated to North Carolina and everyone is safe and sound,” Hatcher said. “We’re in the process of confirming the welfare of the family with local law enforcement in North Carolina.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the Joo family is asked to contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-2071.

»Photo of missing father Myong Joo, from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office