By Choi Ha-young
Political parties showed mixed reactions, Friday, to the return of former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a potential presidential candidate.
The two liberal parties ― the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the People’s Party ― vowed a thorough verification of his qualifications, citing the ongoing corruption allegations against him, while the ruling Saenuri Party and its splinter Barun Party offered him a warm welcome.
“Ban called for disbanding vested rights, but he is surrounded by former President Lee Myung-bak’s associates from the conservative Saenuri Party,” DPK’s spokesperson Rep. Koh Yong-jin said.
The party said Ban’s envisioned campaign team is composed of “old boys” without any vision. Further, it questioned Ban’s position on ex-President Lee’s legacies, as well as the May 16 coup that led to former President Park Chung-hee’s military dictatorship.
The second-largest opposition People’s Party asked Ban if he is willing to respect those who protested against the influence-peddling scandal. “He should clarify if he will support the change of political power, or help the conservatives recreate government,” the party spokesman said.
On the day of his arrival, Ban said he will change politics but evaded answering questions about President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment.
A new conservative party, the Barun Party, welcomed Ban’s return, highlighting his messages on integration. “We found Ban’s message is similar to our ideology regarding security and the economy,” the party’s spokesperson Rep. Chang Je-won told reporters, Thursday.
The Barun Party has eyed Ban, who has around 20 percent support in presidential opinion polls. On the other hand, the People’s Party slightly shifted its position to put forward its candidates in the party, instead of focusing on Ban, after its recent leadership transition.
While Ban’s aide ruled out possible cooperation with the Saenuri Party, the ruling party conveyed the friendliest message to the former U.N. chief.
Meanwhile, the frontrunner in the presidential race, Moon Jae-in of the DPK, kept silent on Ban’s return. He maintained “strategic silence” when asked about Ban’s return, Thursday, concentrating on his own political activities.
Despite Ban’s arrival, Moon has maintained an 11 percentage points lead on scandal-hit Ban, according to Gallup Korea, Friday.
Another opposition hopeful, South Chungcheong Governor An Hee-jung, blasted Ban. “I think Ban doesn’t have identity at all,” An said, Friday. “He failed to establish the nation’s own diplomatic capacity.”
Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, third in the polls, also lashed out at Ban over allegations involving his family members. “He is called the worst Secretary-General ever,” said Lee. “Ban seems far from eradicating injustices and rebuilding the new rules.”