The leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party calls for an immediate stop to the execution of duties by President Yoon Suk Yeol after earlier being against the opposition's impeachment proposal.

S/ Yokota Akira, NNN Seoul bureau chief / The ruling party leader had been opposed to impeaching the president, but in a turnaround, he is effectively demanding resignation.

S/ Han Dong-hoon, Leader, People Power Party / To protect the Republic of Korea and its people, we have determined that it is necessary to immediately suspend President Yoon Suk Yeol's duties.

The ruling People Power Party's leader had earlier been against the opposition's proposal to impeach Yoon.

But Han Dong-hoon changed his stance after finding out that President Yoon Suk Yeol was intending to arrest key politicians under the pretext of being anti-state forces when he declared martial law on December 3.

South Korean media have reported that Han was among the politicians subject to be arrested.

To pass the impeachment proposal against Yoon, at least eight votes from non-opposition lawmakers are needed.

Han's call for Yoon's presidential duties to be suspended has created a fluid political situation.

Some lawmakers close to Han have expressed support for impeaching Yoon.

S/ Yokota Akira, NNN Seoul bureau chief / In response to this situation, opposition parties are considering moving up the voting time for the impeachment proposal scheduled for the evening of December 7.