The Presidential Security Service has apologized for its improper conduct during last year’s martial law crisis and attempts to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Kang Byung-in, acting director-general for planning and management at the Presidential Security Service, issued the apology at the start of a National Assembly audit of the agency, which has been accused of obstructing Yoon's arrest in the December 3 martial law case.

Kang said that his agency deeply regrets that its inappropriate conduct during the attempted arrest caused national confusion and public distress. 

The director pledged that the agency would be reborn as a security service trusted by the public by strictly adhering to legal procedures and maintaining a low-profile approach to protection.

He added that the agency will humbly accept criticism for its past mistakes and use it as a catalyst for growth.