Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday that he won't run for South Korea's presidency, a surprise announcement that removes a key figure in the scramble to replace impeached President Park Geun-hye and further stirs the country's already tumultuous politics. He did not elaborate, but Ban has faced growing media questions about his political competence and about corruption allegations. Unclear when election will be heldPolitics in South Korea have been upended by a massive scandal involving Park and her confidante, which prompted millions to take to the streets in protest. If she is thrown out, presidential elections, originally set for December, would instead be held within two months of any ruling. Ban has said he knew nothing about the alleged criminal activities of his relatives.

Source: CBC News February 01, 2017 06:53 UTC