Scandal, gaffes dent Ban’s election bid

would be held two months later. A ruling is expected as soon as next month.

Ban has a team of politicians and former diplomats supporting him and has made several campaign-style appearances around the country since his return, pitching him in the full glare of the media spotlight.

On his arrival in Seoul, Ban took the airport express train instead of a limo, but didn’t know how to buy a ticket. He was pictured trying to insert two 10,000 won bills into the machine at the same time for a 7,500 won ticket.

Media criticism

“Couldn’t you have treated it as something cute from a person who had been in New York for a long time?” he protested at a meeting with voters and reporters in the southern city of Daegu. “I really wish they wouldn’t act with malice.”

Two days later, Ban visited a care home where he fed porridge to an old woman. He was criticized for wearing a bib when the old woman was not — and for feeding someone lying flat on their back.

He also dressed head to toe in protective gear to try out a disinfectant spray when most of those around him wore ordinary clothes, media said.

Ban himself admitted on Monday to some “clumsy moments” and irritability since his return.

“I was impatient and had passion for wanting to go and meet the people as soon as I could, so there were little mistakes,” he told reporters.

“I’ ll take it as a tough lesson learned and try to be better prepared.”