SEOUL — Former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said Thursday he will reveal soon whether he will run for South Korea’s presidency, as he returned home and strongly hinted at his political ambitions before hundreds of cheering supporters.

Ban’s return will likely heat up local politics; he’s considered the only major conservative contender in a possible early election to replace impeached President Park Geun-hye. Dozens of lawmakers have bolted from Park’s conservative ruling party and want to align with Ban, while the main liberal opposition party is escalating its offensive against him.

‘‘Many people have asked me whether I have a will for power. If ‘will for power’ means uniting a divided country into one and making it a first-class country again, then I have already said I am ready to burn my body in devotion to this and my mind hasn’t changed,’’ Ban told a televised conference upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport near Seoul.

As his supporters shouted his name, Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, said he’ll seek diverse opinions about his return to South Korean politics. ‘‘Based on my talks with people, I will make a decision that will be free from selfish motives. That decision won’t take long,’’ he said.

Opinion polls show Ban is one of the favorites to succeed Park. The Constitutional Court is currently determining whether to formally end Park’s rule and hold a new election. The opposition-controlled Parliament impeached her last month over her alleged role in an explosive corruption scandal. South Korea is originally scheduled to hold a presidential election in December.

Ban, who ended his 10-year service as UN chief last month, is a soft-spoken career diplomat known for a gentle image and an ability to avoid making enemies. But he faces criticism that he lacks charisma and experience in domestic politics.

Associated Press