[On-site Video] "I Will Walk Consistently" Yoon Seok-yeol, What Did He Discuss with Ban Ki-moon?

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "'There are criticisms calling him the 'Second Ban Ki-moon'...," "Criticism is freedom, so I will respect it as much as possible."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol met with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation located in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th. At this meeting, Ban said to Yoon, "There will be many difficulties and obstacles ahead," adding, "If you do your best with the attitude of Jin-in-sa-dae-cheon-myeong (doing your best and leaving the rest to heaven), I think you will achieve a successful conclusion." In response, Yoon replied, "I will keep that in mind." He also said, "I should have visited earlier to receive your guidance, but it is late."

After the meeting, which was switched to a private session, Yoon stood before reporters and said, "Former Secretary-General Ban said, 'National security can collapse in an instant and can take everything away from the people, so security readiness must be maintained at all times,'" adding, "'Defense is important, but the alliance system between countries is very important,' and 'We must maintain the firm security alliance between South Korea and the United States, which has a long tradition, and based on this, maintain stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula.'"

When asked if there was any advice from former Secretary-General Ban regarding preparing for the presidential election outside of political parties, Yoon said, "There was none."

Regarding criticism that the delay in deciding to join the People Power Party is increasing fatigue among opposition voters, he emphasized, "I clearly said that regardless of any political disadvantage or loss, I will consistently follow the direction I have once decided."

Former Secretary-General Ban attracted much attention from the political world as a leading presidential candidate for the moderate-conservative camp during the 2017 presidential election. After returning from his UN Secretary-General duties, he began his presidential bid but ultimately declared his withdrawal from the race after just three weeks.