South Korea’s acting police chief apologizes over police action during martial law

"Police restricted lawmakers' entry around the National Assembly on the night of Dec. 3, (2024)," Yoo said, adding: "This act disrupted democracy and the constitutional order and was an unconstitutional and illegal act that threatened the daily lives of the people," Yoo Jae-seong said.

"(I) sincerely apologize," he added.

The apology came ahead of the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid on Dec. 3, 2024.

Cho Ji-ho, a former head of the National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, the ex-Seoul police chief, are currently on trial for allegedly playing key roles in an insurrection.

Another trial begins for ex-president

Another trial began on Monday for Yoon, for his alleged involvement in South Korean military drones being flown over Pyongyang last year, according to the Korea Herald.

South Korea last month indicted Yoon for allegedly dispatching drones to North Korea last year, to incite retaliation from Pyongyang and use it as justification for his future declaration of martial law.

The Seoul Central District Court began its first preparatory hearing on Monday for Yoon and three former senior defense officials: former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Defense Security Command chief Yeo In-hyung, and former Drone Operations Command chief Kim Yong-dae.

They face charges of general espionage, a serious offense under the Criminal Act, as well as abuse of authority, with only Kim appearing at the court on Monday.

Yoon was ousted from office in April by the Constitutional Court for his failed bid to impose martial law. He has been in jail since July.