Ban Ki-moon, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Seoul
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Former Secretary-General of the United Nations among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 18/04/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Ban for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 80-year-old politician, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Ban so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘Korean Of The Year’ by some major Korean newspapers and even ‘Eumseong Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Eumseong (Ban Ki-moon's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Ban Ki-moon Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Apr 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveKi-moon”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 17 Apr 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ban Ki-moon?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Apr 2025

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Ban Ki-moon?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

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