Yoon Seok-yeol Meets Ban Ki-moon: "I Will Consistently Move Forward"... Ban Says, "With the Attitude of Jininsa Daecheonmyeong" (Comprehensive)

Regarding Choi Jae-hyung Joining the People Power Party: "Respect Individual Judgment and Choice"

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is visiting the Ban Ki-moon Foundation located on Gyeonghuigung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to pay a courtesy call on former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the 15th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, whose approval ratings have declined since declaring his political participation, continued his scheduled meetings with external figures on the 15th. He maintains a stance of not discussing changes in election strategies such as joining a specific political party for now. He also appears unconcerned about the swift move by former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, who decided to join the People Power Party on the same day.

On the morning of the 15th, Yoon met with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss climate change, future environmental issues, diplomacy, and security. After the meeting, Yoon told reporters, "(Former Secretary-General Ban) said that national security can collapse in an instant. While defense is important, the alliance system between countries is also very important," adding, "He also emphasized maintaining the firm security alliance between South Korea and the United States, a long-standing tradition, as the foundation to preserve safety and peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He also conveyed, "Regarding North Korea, we must maintain consistent principles and predictability. Sustainable growth should always be kept in mind, and we should raise our national stature in the international community through support for underdeveloped countries."

After the conversation with Yoon, former Secretary-General Ban told reporters, "I got the impression that he knows a lot about inter-Korean relations and international affairs," and added, "I feel quite reassured." He also offered words of encouragement to Yoon, who is running for the presidency, saying, "There will be many difficulties ahead. If he works hard with the attitude of doing his best and leaving the rest to fate, I think he will achieve a successful conclusion."

Former Secretary-General Ban, who mainly discussed diplomacy rather than politics that day, responded to a question about what advice he gave as a senior presidential contender by saying, "The political situation then and now is very different. I gave up my intention in about 20 days," and added, "Since I have no experience joining a political party, I have nothing special to say."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol had a luncheon meeting with Choi Jang-jip, a senior progressive political science scholar and professor emeritus at Korea University, at a restaurant in downtown Seoul on the 12th. [Provided by Yoon Seok-yeol Camp. Redistribution and DB prohibited] [Image source=Yonhap News]

Having just passed two weeks since starting his political activities, former Prosecutor General Yoon is expanding his connections with people from various sectors. His goal is to broaden the anti-Moon Jae-in (Ban Moon) tent and strengthen the moderate base through external expansion. On the 12th, he met with Choi Jang-jip, a senior progressive political scientist and professor emeritus at Korea University, and also shared meals and exchanged views with Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, and former National Assembly member Kim Young-hwan. After completing his public engagement activities, which were temporarily halted due to COVID-19, he plans to present his policies.

However, he continues to maintain a stance of not discussing the issue of joining a specific political party for now. On the day, Yoon said, "Approval ratings can fall, and maybe that’s just how it is," adding, "Regardless of political losses or gains, even if I suffer losses, I have said that I will consistently follow the direction I have decided."

Regarding former Chairman Choi, who pursued joining the People Power Party that day, Yoon said, "I respect each politician’s judgment of their own situation and their choices."

Despite his seemingly active activities, his approval ratings are declining. In recent polls, although within the margin of error, Yoon often trails in one-on-one matchups against ruling party candidates such as Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon. A member of Yoon’s campaign team said, "As more candidates declare their runs, the drop in approval ratings is an inevitable phenomenon," adding, "We will review whether there are areas to improve on and will work hard moving forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.