United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (72, photo) has sent ripples through South Korea's political circle since the start of the New Year. A heated debate is ongoing on Ban's statement in support of the comfort women agreement.
On January 1, in a phone conversation with President Park Geun-hye to exchange New Year's greetings, Ban said, "I congratulate you on reaching an agreement on the comfort women issue. History will evaluate you highly for having made the right decision with a grand vision." At a time when public opinion is boiling with criticism of the rushed agreement, Ban explicitly revealed his support for the comfort women negotiations.
Politicians appear to be putting more meaning to Ban's latest statement than seeing it simply as diplomatic rhetoric. Given that Ban is nicknamed, "greasy eel" for being good at evading sensitive questions, some argue that Ban's statement had a political motive.
Above all, as Ban makes a statement in tune with Cheong Wa Dae, many agree that the secretary-general has replied to speculations of Ban Ki-moon's presidential ambitions. Last September, when President Park visited the United Nations, she met with Ban on seven occasions, and Ban has responded favorably to Park by praising the Saemaul Undong.
Under these circumstances, views that Ban has taken a step toward entering politics are dominant. Some even joke that Ban, who often seemed to order "half, half," such as "half politics, half diplomacy" and "half ruling party and half opposition party," is now opting for the whole "pro-Park" option.
One thing is clear: the critical point of Ban's "half, half stance" is approaching. Some are already criticizing Ban's "support" for the comfort women agreement claiming, "A presidential candidate with the highest approval rating making such a statement is like driving a nail into the hearts of the victims" (Reverend In Myeong-jin).
On January 1, in a phone conversation with President Park Geun-hye to exchange New Year's greetings, Ban said, "I congratulate you on reaching an agreement on the comfort women issue. History will evaluate you highly for having made the right decision with a grand vision." At a time when public opinion is boiling with criticism of the rushed agreement, Ban explicitly revealed his support for the comfort women negotiations.
Politicians appear to be putting more meaning to Ban's latest statement than seeing it simply as diplomatic rhetoric. Given that Ban is nicknamed, "greasy eel" for being good at evading sensitive questions, some argue that Ban's statement had a political motive.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon / Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo
Above all, as Ban makes a statement in tune with Cheong Wa Dae, many agree that the secretary-general has replied to speculations of Ban Ki-moon's presidential ambitions. Last September, when President Park visited the United Nations, she met with Ban on seven occasions, and Ban has responded favorably to Park by praising the Saemaul Undong.
Under these circumstances, views that Ban has taken a step toward entering politics are dominant. Some even joke that Ban, who often seemed to order "half, half," such as "half politics, half diplomacy" and "half ruling party and half opposition party," is now opting for the whole "pro-Park" option.
One thing is clear: the critical point of Ban's "half, half stance" is approaching. Some are already criticizing Ban's "support" for the comfort women agreement claiming, "A presidential candidate with the highest approval rating making such a statement is like driving a nail into the hearts of the victims" (Reverend In Myeong-jin).
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