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Ban Ki-moon defends leadership to counter Western media’s criticism

Ban Ki-moon defends leadership to counter Western media’s criticism

Posted October. 17, 2016 07:43,   

Updated October. 17, 2016 07:45

한국어

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon used an old saying once again about a month ahead of his retirement as the U.N. chief. He used the expression‎ "Sangseonyaksu" (the best virtue is like water), which is found in Tao Te Ching (ethics book) by ancient Chinese scholar Laozi. In his speech at Korean American leadership conference hosted by the Council of Korean Americans held at Ronald Reagan Building in Washington on Friday, Ban said, “Sangseonyaksu is my credo. Water symbolizes wisdom, flexibility and softness. Water is life and peace, and dignity of human beings,” adding, “I tried my best to apply this credo while leading the U.N.”

When he visited the White House on U.S. President Barack Obama’s 54th birthday in August last year, Ban wrote this phrase next to Obama’s name in Chinese characters "奧巴馬" in calligraphy and presented it to the U.S. president, an episode that drew attention from the public. When he met with Korean correspondents in New York late last year, he also mentioned Sangseonyaksu. It was the first time he cited the phrase in his public speech at a gathering of Korean Americans from across the U.S.

Ban is quoting the expression‎ once again partially because he seeks to refute Western media criticizing his leadership by calling him "the worst ever U.N. secretary-general" by using virtues of Asian leadership. Since it is not helpful to let the words "the worst" spread ahead if his presidential bid, which is expected after his retirement, he is apparently referring to the Chinese phrase in an effort to develop logic to counter the criticism and defend his leadership. When asked by Korean correspondents about his plan on his presidential bid just ahead of the speech, Ban said, “I will go to Korea mid-January next year. I am here in Washington for other purpose.”

In a special lecture to students after receiving an honorary doctorate degree at the University of Maryland before the Washington speech, Ban said, “If you are to lead a large organization, you must display your own eligibility. If you only talk ‘why don’t we do this,’ then no one will follow you. It is my style, and if your staff works eight hours, you should work nine hours to set example," adding, “When implementing your vision, you must say loud and clear ‘This is my vision’ in front of people.”



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