The club seeks to mend relations with the city as it prepares for the 2027 season
Category: Local News
Kim Byung-ji, the CEO of Gangwon FC, officially apologized on August 13, 2026, to the citizens of Chuncheon and Mayor Yuk Dong-han following a controversy that arose during the discussions for hosting the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACLE) in Chuncheon last year. Kim's remarks, which compared Chuncheon’s ticket sales and audience numbers with those of other regions, sparked outrage and demands for his resignation from local residents.
The apology comes in the aftermath of a year-long conflict between Chuncheon and Gangwon FC, raising questions about the future of home games in the city. In his statement, Kim expressed regret for the discomfort and hurt caused by his comments, which he clarified were not intended to belittle Chuncheon. “I deeply apologize to the citizens of Chuncheon, the mayor, and city officials for the misunderstandings arising from my statements,” he said.
The controversy began when Kim suggested that the club might reconsider hosting home games in Chuncheon due to lower ticket revenues compared to other areas. His comments led to a backlash, with banners demanding his resignation appearing throughout the city. Tensions escalated in May 2025 when access passes for Mayor Yuk and city officials were revoked during a home game against Suwon FC, preventing them from attending.
In a briefing on August 11, 2026, Mayor Yuk emphasized the importance of respect between the football club and the citizens of Chuncheon, stating that the previous year’s events could not be overlooked. He described the need for a sincere apology from Kim as a prerequisite for restoring relations. Yuk remarked, “This is not just about personal honor; it’s about respecting the citizens and football fans of Chuncheon.”
Kim's comments about Chuncheon were made during a press conference discussing the possibility of moving the ACLE matches to a different city, citing operational differences as a reason. His remarks were perceived as derogatory, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability from the local government.
In response to the growing tensions, the Gangwon FC management, under Kim’s leadership, faced scrutiny over their treatment of Chuncheon city officials. The incident highlighted the fragile relationship between local governments and sports organizations, particularly in regions where local pride is closely tied to the success of community teams.
Following Kim’s public apology, Chuncheon City expressed hope that this gesture would pave the way for improved relations. In an official statement, the city noted, “We anticipate that this apology will serve as a stepping stone to normalize our relationship, which has been strained.”
As the club prepares for the 2027 season, discussions are underway between Gangwon FC, Chuncheon, and Gangneung about the potential hosting of home games in both cities. Kim urged both municipalities to actively participate in the planning process, emphasizing that the club is committed to serving all residents of Gangwon Province.
Kim stated, “Gangwon FC is a club for all residents of Gangwon Province. We hope to collaborate with Chuncheon and Gangneung to establish clear guidelines and procedures for hosting home games.” The outcome of these negotiations will likely depend on how well the city responds to Kim’s apology and the willingness of both parties to move forward.
As the situation develops, the Gangwon provincial government has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the revocation of access passes for Chuncheon officials, seeking to clarify the events that led to this controversy. Observers are watching closely to see if Kim’s apology will lead to a genuine reconciliation and a more collaborative relationship between Gangwon FC and Chuncheon.
The resolution of this conflict is not just about sports; it reflects broader themes of community respect, accountability, and the role of local government in supporting regional institutions. With the 2027 season approaching, both the club and the city have a unique opportunity to redefine their partnership in a way that honors the sentiments of Chuncheon’s citizens.