It is not unusual that talks of -- or actual moves to achieve -- political realignment flourish ahead of a presidential election. Yet, this time they come much earlier than in the past.

Now speculations are rife about regroupings of political parties and major politicians for the next presidential election slated for December next year. But there is no outstanding possible scenario since there are so many uncertainties and factors.  

For instance, there is no strong potential candidate in the conservative ruling Saenuri Party, where politicians like former party leader Kim Moo-sung, former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Gyeonggi Gov. Kim Moon-soo lost their political clout in the wake of the party’s devastating defeat in the April 13 parliamentary election.

In contrast, there are too many potential candidates in the liberal camps -- former presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and South Chungcheong Gov. Ahn Hee-jung from The Minjoo Party of Korea and Ahn Cheol-soo from the People’s Party of Korea. 

The lack of strong potential candidates in the ruling party and the thick lineup in the liberal camps further foster speculation about possible regroupings of politicians. Adding fuel to the speculation is the escalating internal feud between loyalists of President Park Geun-hye and members of its minority faction.

The first possible scenario is that the “non-Parks” will leave the party and either create a party or join the People’s Party. Ahn has already said that “rational conservatives” are welcome to join his party.

Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Chung Eui-hwa’s plan to establish a think tank -- believed to be a step for launching his own political group or seeking alliance with an existing group -- could also become a factor in the looming realignment of political parties.

There are two more -- definitely more explosive -- factors that will influence how the party politics and presidential candidacies will shape up -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former presidential candidate Sohn Hak-kyu.

Saenuri’s pro-Parks -- and their boss President Park -- apparently want to hand over the Blue House to Ban, whose term ends late this year. Ban, who has remained ambiguous on his plans, started a weeklong visit to Korea on Wednesday, which will definitely put his future in the spotlight. 

Sohn, who is popular among the middle class and intellectuals, could also alter the scene, especially in the liberal camp. He has three choices -- launching his own party or joining either the Minjoo or People’s Party.

All in all, regroupings -- breakups and new alliances -- will prevail in Korean politics until the last minute before the Dec. 20, 2017, polling day. What’s sad is that, given past experiences, we can only expect that the upcoming realignments will not try to forge new, healthy political forces, but will simply be attempts to raise key figures’ electoral chances