Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon receives warm welcome home in Korea

Former UN chief and Korean diplomat Ban Ki-moon arrived in Seoul on Thursday, promising to use his experience leading the global body to further the development of his home country.

"I am ready to give my all for the country and that determination remains unchanged. I will unite our divided nation."

Ban also said he felt great sorrow for Korea after coming back from his 10 years tenure in the international organization.

"Korea has lost its economic vitality. Many irregularities are embedded in our society, including the polarization of wealth and the fact that our youth have lost their dreams. Korea is undergoing great difficulties. All leaders bear responsibility for this."

Although Ban, who is considered a conservative figure in Korea, has distanced himself from politics, local political parties will likely compete to recruit him.

Ban will also receive the Rose of Sharon medal, one of the Korean government's highest honors, for his contributions to the country as the first Korean UN chief.

Ban has a busy schedule ahead of him in the coming days.
On Friday, Ban plans to visit the National Cemetery in Seoul to pay his respects to Korea's former presidents.
Later in the day, he will visit his mother in his hometown in Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, where he will also pay his respects at his father's grave.

(Stand-up)
"In the near future, Ban plans to travel around the country, and he's previously said he wants to meet with people from all walks of life before making a decision about the presidency.