Ban Ki-moon concerned about South Korea's 'crisis,' lawmaker says

NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is concerned about the "national crisis" facing his home country of South Korea, according to a Seoul lawmaker.

Chung Jin-suk, the floor leader of South Korea's ruling Saenuri Party, said Ban called for "social cohesion" and "political unity" during a meeting in New York, South Korean newspaper Kukmin Ilbo reported Friday.

Ban, 72, who has previously said he was prepared to "burn" his body to serve South Korea, has all but announced his candidacy for president.

In his last press conference, the outgoing U.N. chief had said he would "really consider seriously" his chances and that he believes the Korean people are "desperate" for a new form of "inclusive leadership."

Popular dissatisfaction with impeached President Park Geun-hye reached a climax in South Korea after she was suspected of abusing her executive powers and giving an influential friend, Choi Soon-sil, access to state secrets without legal clearance.

In the wake of the scandal, Park's party has remained divided over its support for her presidency.

On Tuesday, 29 anti-Park lawmakers left the party to create a new group that could try to attract Ban and persuade him to run for political office.

Chung's meeting with Ban at U.N. headquarters appears to have been an initial step toward recruiting the former South Korean foreign minister.

If Ban does run for office, it is likely more than 60 percent of conservative South Korean voters will support his candidacy, a ruling party source told the Kukmin.

Ban has said he would consult with friends and advisers before making a final decision.