South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Monday criticized the police's response to the deadly Halloween crush in Seoul, pledging to hold to account any officials found to be responsible for sloppy responses and to reform police and safety management systems. 

Yoon made the remarks during a meeting held to review crowd control and other safety regulations in the wake of the tragedy that killed 156 people on October 29. 

"We need major innovations in the way police prepare against risks and prevent accidents in order to protect the people's safety," he said. "I will make sure the truth is thoroughly determined regarding this tragedy and disclose the process to the public in a transparent manner that leaves not a trace of doubt." 

Yoon also offered a formal apology during the meeting, saying he is sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are suffering an unspeakable tragedy, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow. 

"I do not dare to compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who ought to protect the people's lives and safety, I am heartbroken." 

Officials booked for investigation

Six individuals were booked for an investigation on charges of professional negligence resulting in death in Itaewon crowd crush, including the now-suspended police chief in the district of Yongsan, the fire chief and district head, officials said Monday. 

Former Yongsan police chief Lee Im-jae and Ryu Mi-jin, in charge of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's emergency call monitoring at the time, also face dereliction of duty charges for deficiencies found in their response. 

Two other officials from the Yongsan police station are additionally charged with abuse of power and destruction of evidence in connection with a deleted report analyzing the risk of safety accidents.

The investigation team is also looking into whether the Yongsan District Office poorly handled requests for support by related organizations, and whether the fire department did enough in response to emergency calls. 

(With input from agencies)