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South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech Monday to mark four years in office at the Blue House press center. (provided by the Blue House)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in fielded a question on Monday about granting a special pardon to Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who is currently serving a prison sentence for bribery and embezzlement.

In his response, Moon mentioned the competitiveness of Korea's semiconductor industry while noting that he was "hearing a lot of opinions" on the issue.

Although Moon tacked on the condition that he would "give sufficient credence to public opinion," his response differs from a Blue House statement last month which said, "At present, we have no plan to review the issue of pardoning Lee."

This has led to speculation that the issue is deeply troubling the president.

Moon was asked about Lee at a press conference held in the Blue House press center on the fourth anniversary of his administration coming to power.

"Global competition for semiconductors is intensifying, so it is evident that we must also endeavor to boost the competitiveness of our semiconductor industry," he said. "However, it is also important to consider fairness, past precedent and public sentiment."

He went on to say, "I certainly don't view this as an issue of simple presidential discretion. I will make a decision after listening to what the people have to say."

Notably, the president mentioned the competitiveness of Korea's semiconductor industry. Samsung and several economic groups believe that Lee should be reinstated to the company in the interest of keeping Samsung's semiconductors competitive.

On the other side, opponents point out that a pardon has nothing to do with the competitiveness of the company's products.

"The president spoke more about pardons today than he has before," a Blue House official said after the press conference, adding that "[This] is an issue that deeply troubles him."

As for the question of pardoning former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, Moon said, "I am conscious of the impact this would have on social unity, and my decision will be based on factors such as public consensus and the justice and fairness of our judicial system."

By Lee Wan, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]