Kim Byung-ji, CEO of Kangwon FC, has issued an apology to the city of Chuncheon and its residents regarding the controversy that arose last year over his remarks.
On the morning of August 13, Kim released a statement titled 'A Message to the People of Gangwon,' acknowledging that his comments during a press conference discussing the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACLE) being held in Chuncheon were misunderstood. He stated, 'Regardless of my intentions, I deeply apologize to the citizens of Chuncheon, the mayor, and city officials who have felt discomfort and hurt.'
The conflict between the two parties began during discussions about the ACLE host city last year. At that time, Kim compared Chuncheon's attendance and season ticket sales to those of other regions, such as Gangneung, explaining the differences in hosting conditions. This led to backlash from the local community, with banners demanding his resignation appearing throughout the city.
The situation escalated on May 3 of last year during a K League 1 match between Suwon FC and Kangwon FC, when access passes for Chuncheon Mayor Yook Dong-han and city officials were revoked, further straining relations.
In response to the access pass controversy, Kim clarified that he did not directly order the revocation. He explained, 'While there were banners around the stadium calling for my resignation, I did not issue a directive to remove them, just as I did not instruct the return of the mayor's access pass or the ban on his entry to the stadium.'
He added, 'As the CEO overseeing the club's home games, I regret that such an incident occurred.'
Kim's official apology came two days after Mayor Yook demanded a 'sincere apology' as a prerequisite for restoring relations. On August 11, Yook indicated his willingness to host home games for the 2027 season, emphasizing that it was not a matter of personal honor or feelings but rather a matter of respect for the citizens of Chuncheon and soccer fans. He stated, 'A sincere apology from Kim, the person who made the remarks, is the starting point for restoring normal relations.'
Currently, Gangwon Province and Kangwon FC are discussing plans to host home games for the 2027 season in both Chuncheon and Gangneung.
Kim remarked, 'Kangwon FC is a club for all residents of Gangwon Province,' and urged both Chuncheon and Gangneung to review the criteria and procedures for hosting home games in the 2027 season and to actively participate in future discussions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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