Seoul: The presidential office on Tuesday distanced itself from the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) calls for Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to resign, stating it has not participated in related discussions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Woo Sang-ho, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, clarified the stance amid increasing calls within the ruling bloc for Cho's resignation. Woo informed reporters that the presidential office "has never discussed nor does it have any plans to discuss the future course of action of the chief justice." His remarks came in response to a statement by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, who said on Monday that the office "agrees in principle" that appointed authorities should reflect on public demand. This comment was interpreted as an indirect suggestion for the judiciary to consider the ruling party's demands.

DP leader Jung Chung-rae and other party lawmakers have been urging Cho to step down, accusing him of protecting individuals implicated in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt by delaying their trials. This has led to criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argue that it undermines the principle of judicial independence.

A senior presidential official emphasized that while the office recognizes the need for judicial reform in response to public concerns over recent rulings and trials, it remains cautious. The official stated that "the presidential office does not closely intervene in matters being discussed in the legislature."