KARACHI, Pakistan

South Korean police on Tuesday provided bodyguards to opposition leader Lee Jae-myung over reported assassination threats.

The police protection was provided for an undetermined period upon the Democratic Party’s request, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

Lee's party cited concerning text messages received by several of its lawmakers.

The messages reportedly warned of a plot to assassinate Lee with a smuggled Russian-made pistol.

Earlier this week, police said they ratcheted up intelligence gathering related to the threat and will open an investigation once they have a "meaningful" lead.

Notably, Seoul beefing up security of the opposition leader comes as South Korea awaits a final verdict in the impeachment trial of suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Yoon was impeached by parliament over his failed bid to impose martial law last December, and the Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its verdict this week.