Acting Commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency Issues First Official Apology Since Martial Law Crisis...“Will Not Support Unconstitutional or Illegal Acts”

[Financial News] Jaesung Yoo, Acting Commissioner of the KNPA, officially apologized for restricting the access of lawmakers to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea during the 2024 South Korean martial law crisis and pledged to prevent a recurrence.
On the 1st, Acting Commissioner Yoo convened the National Police Commanders Video Conference, attended by provincial police chiefs, heads of affiliated agencies, and police station chiefs nationwide, where he made this statement.
Yoo stated, "The actions at that time disrupted democracy and constitutional order and threatened the daily lives of citizens. These were unconstitutional and illegal acts." He bowed his head and added, "Due to the poor judgment of some members of the leadership, the police, who are supposed to protect citizens’ freedoms and social order, were mobilized for an unconstitutional martial law, causing great disappointment and pain to the public."
He continued, "I sincerely apologize for the damage done to the honor and pride of frontline police officers who have steadfastly served the public. Going forward, the police will never cooperate with or support any unconstitutional or illegal acts, regardless of the circumstances. We will also improve our system to ensure that unlawful or improper orders from individual commanders are not transmitted to the field without scrutiny."
He further emphasized, "From now on, the police will uphold the protection of constitutional order as a core value in all operations, and the leadership will take responsibility to ensure that unconstitutional or illegal acts are never repeated. We will always remember that police authority is entrusted by the people and will establish robust civilian oversight mechanisms throughout all police activities to ensure that our powers are exercised for the public good."
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji Reporter