SEOUL: President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Wednesday that a potential pardon for imprisoned former President Lee Myung-bak "is not a topic to discuss right now."

Yoon made the comment to reporters as he arrived at the presidential office following news that Lee had asked for a suspension of his sentence and could be among the beneficiaries of a presidential pardon that could be carried out on August 15 to commemorate the country's independence.

Commenting on Lee's pardon, Yoon stated, "This is not a topic to talk about right now." The president's comments are perceived as an attempt to distance himself from growing calls within the ruling People Power Party for Lee to be pardoned.

They come as the prosecution prepares to begin deliberations on Lee's appeal for a sentence suspension, which he filed last week with a district prosecutor's office in Anyang, 23 kilometres south of Seoul.

Lee Myung-bak, aged 81,  who is serving a 17-year jail sentence for corruption, allegedly asked for a suspension of his sentence last Friday, claiming health concerns, amid rumours that he would be granted a special pardon on August 15, which is National Liberation Day.

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