The presidential office has refrained from commenting on the disputed revisions to the Press Arbitration Act over which rival parties are in a tug of war.

Speaking to reporters Monday, a presidential official said the top office has no particular stance on the issue. The remarks are viewed as the office trying to avoid the appearance of interfering in a legislative matter.

However within the top office, a negative sentiment can be felt regarding the ruling party's unilateral push for the media bill.

Such a move can throw National Assembly proceedings into a deadlock at a time when next year's budget and a slew of other bills are pending. The impasse would then pose hurdles to state affairs in President Moon Jae-in's remaining time in office. 

As rival parties failed to reach an agreement through the extra month to discuss the controversial bill, the presidential office believes the situation now is not much different from late August.

Such concerns were conveyed to the ruling party during a meeting also involving the government on Sunday. Additionally, public concerns expressed by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan are also seen as a pressure factor. 

Speaking to reporters on his return flight from the U.S. recently, President Moon said concerns raised by the press, civic groups and international community should be sufficiently reviewed.