Seoul [South Korea], December 6 (HBTV): The head of South Korea's ruling party has called for suspending the powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing "credible evidence" that he sought the arrest of political leaders following the imposition of martial law.

People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, who had previously opposed efforts to impeach Yoon, stated that "newly emerging facts" had turned the tide against the president. According to Han, he learned that Yoon ordered the defence counter-intelligence commander to arrest key political figures, branding them as "anti-state forces," and used intelligence agencies in the process.

Han emphasized the need to prevent further chaos in the country, stating, "To protect South Korea and our people, I believe it is necessary to stop President Yoon from exercising his powers as president promptly."

He also criticized Yoon for failing to acknowledge that the imposition of martial law was illegal and wrong, warning that there was a significant risk of a similar move being made if he remained in office. Martial law had been declared in South Korea for about six hours on Tuesday, following Yoon's announcement citing threats from "anti-state forces" and North Korean sympathizers.

The National Assembly swiftly moved to reverse Yoon's decision with a 190-0 vote. Although the order was lifted by Yoon at around 4 a.m. local time, troops had already descended on the National Assembly, clashing with legislators and protesters.

Yoon is currently under investigation for treason, along with the country's former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.

Han's statement marks a shift in the PPP's stance, with the opposition Democratic Party now pushing for a vote on Yoon's impeachment. However, the motion requires at least eight votes from the ruling party to reach a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly. If successful, the Constitutional Court will decide on Yoon's removal from office.

The ruling party had previously signaled opposition to impeachment, with some lawmakers fearing backlash, recalling the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2016, who was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption before being pardoned.   

(ANI)