South Korea's ruling and opposition parties were at odds over U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's potential bid for the presidency on Thursday, as his possible run in next year's election is raising fresh uncertainties in the fluid political landscape here.

The ruling Saenuri Party apparently welcomes Ban as a potential standard-bearer, while opposition parties expressed wariness, nitpicking at his lack of experience in domestic politics beset by relentless factional rivalries and partisan backbiting.

In the clearest indication yet of his presidential ambitions, Ban said Wednesday that he would "contemplate" what he would do as a South Korean citizen when he returns to his home country after completing his two terms as U.N. helmsman at the end of this year.

In a departure from his previously noncommittal stance over domestic politics, he even said that "political leaders should strive harder for national unity."

Rep. Hong Moon-pyo, the Saenuri Party's acting secretary-general, said that the "general sentiment" in his party is in support of Ban as a potential presidential candidate. He also said that should Ban join the ruling party he could clinch a win in the presidential election.

"(Ban) is a figure that is popular at home and abroad, and has experience in various fields including the government and society at large," he said in an SBS radio interview.

"His character is more aligned with the Saenuri Party (than with opposition parties) as he has been seen prioritizing conservative values," he added.

Rep. Na Kyung-won of the same party also welcomed the possibility of Ban running for the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae as she attended a forum on the southern resort island of Jeju along with Ban.

"It couldn't be better should Secretary-General Ban use his experience and capabilities for the people of the Republic of Korea," the lawmaker said.

Others in the ruling camp said Ban can invigorate the party that has been struggling to find a strong contender to face off against established and well-known opposition contenders.

In stark contrast to reactions from the ruling party, opposition lawmakers voiced uneasiness over Ban's potential run in the 2017 election.

Rep. Park Jie-won of the minority People's Party said that it is "inappropriate" for Ban to hint at the possibility of running for the presidency "in a strong tone of voice."

"His remarks alluding to his potential presidential run are inappropriate and deserve denunciation," he said during his appearance on a YTN radio program.

Park also raised doubts that Ban will be able to successfully weather the "political typhoon" during an election campaign.

"He has lived as a bureaucrat and largely in diplomatic circles, meaning that it would be difficult for him to endure (the political typhoon)," he said.

Kim Boo-kyum, a leading member of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, also opposed Ban's potential presidential run, saying he wants Ban to remain a "mediator for the settlement of international conflicts."

"I hope that he would work as an international leader that goes beyond domestic politics," he said during a forum in Daegu.

Other opposition officials belittled Ban's presidential prospects, casting him as "one of the potential presidential contenders."

In recent opinion surveys, Rep. Moon Jae-in, former leader of the Minjoo Party, and Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, co-chair of the People's Party, were polling in first and second place, respectively, although the ranks could be upturned if Ban is factored into the polls.

Meanwhile, the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae refused to comment on Ban's presidential ambitions in an apparent move to avoid getting mired in partisan politics and focus on its agenda for economic revitalization. (Yonhap)