Constitutional accountability took center stage in Seoul as South Korea’s top acting police official issued a rare public apology. Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae-seong acknowledged that the police restricted lawmakers from entering the National Assembly during the martial law declaration on December 3, 2024. He stated that the actions were unconstitutional, illegal, and harmful to the public and the nation’s democratic framework.
Yoo delivered the apology during an online meeting with senior police officials. He emphasized that the police response disrupted parliamentary procedures and violated constitutional rights. He added that constitutional accountability requires the police to defend the law, not obstruct it.
The apology comes shortly before the first anniversary of the short-lived martial law initiated by former president Yoon Suk Yeol. The Constitutional Court later ruled that the declaration lacked legal basis and violated democratic protections. It also found no provision permitting the police or military to block lawmakers from convening.
The Constitution and Martial Law Act clearly state that a majority of lawmakers can vote to end martial law. During the incident, opposition legislators climbed fences and forced alternative entry routes to hold that vote. The vote proceeded, and the decree was overturned ten days later.
Yoo said the police leadership exercised misguided judgment and damaged public trust. He noted that the scandal hurt the pride of officers who believed they were serving the nation. He added that constitutional accountability will now guide all enforcement decisions.
Yoo assumed command after the suspension of National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho. Cho and several senior police and military leaders face insurrection charges linked to the martial law operation. Former president Yoon was impeached on December 14, 2024, and removed from office the following April.
Public outrage over the event led lawmakers to revise the Martial Law Act in July. The revision now guarantees that parliamentary staff and lawmakers maintain access to the National Assembly during martial law. Anyone who blocks access faces up to five years in prison.
Many analysts believe the apology signals a shift toward stronger democratic safeguards. They also note that constitutional accountability now appears central to future police conduct and training in South Korea.
