ANKARA

South Korea’s acting police chief on Monday apologized to the nation over police action during the last year short-lived martial law, the Yonhap news agency reported on Monday.

"Police restricted lawmakers' entry around the National Assembly on the night of Dec. 3," 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 Yoon's failed martial law bid on Dec. 3.

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.