Is Ban Ki-moon Considering a Presidential Run?
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon opened speculation that he might be interested in being the president of South Korea. Ban's second term at the UN comes to an end this year and hinted at his plans for returning to Korea.
"When I return on Jan. 1 next year, I'll be a Korean, whereas until now I've held a UN passport," Ban said to reporters on Jeju Island. "I'll contemplate and decide then what I should do as a Korean citizen."
A report from Chosun suggests that Ban has been "coy" about his ambitions to be the president. Although he has not directly stated his desire for the presidency, he was keen to point out his physical ability for the job.
"I've never taken a day off sick," he said. "There are no problems with my physical condition." He also added that the U.S. presidential Democratic nominees are both nearing 70 years old.
Ban says he "never thought about becoming president. For now I have to complete my job at the UN," he said. "But I'm really proud of being cited as a potential presidential candidate."
