[Direct Interview] In response to KCC's demand for a public apology, Korea Gas Corporation manager says, "I don't know why they are saying that; we will look into the circumstances going forward."

*This content was translated by AI.

As Busan KCC demanded an apology from Daegu Korea Gas Corporation for seriously damaging the club's reputation, Korea Gas Corporation manager Jung Jun stated that he would investigate the specific circumstances.

Manager Jung Jun told StarNews by phone immediately after KCC released its statement on the 10th, saying, "I was on a business trip and have just confirmed the details. I do not understand why KCC is making such remarks. It seems we need to look into the exact circumstances going forward."

Earlier, KCC released a statement on the day, saying, "Korea Gas Corporation seriously damaged our club's reputation in the process of filing for a suspension of effect injunction regarding the KBL disciplinary action related to player La Geon-ah's taxes."

KCC further pointed out, "Korea Gas Corporation claimed that KCC exerted influence over the KBL (Korean Basketball League) Board to unfairly shift the comprehensive income tax that should have been borne by itself. This is an absurd 'conspiracy theory' and clearly constitutes defamation based on false facts."

KCC also explained, "The tax issue regarding La Geon-ah was decided through extremely normal circumstances and procedures by the consensus of 10 clubs. All clubs participating in the KBL league must naturally comply with the Board's decisions, and those who violate them should receive appropriate disciplinary action."

KCC then raised its voice, stating, "Korea Gas Corporation must provide a clear explanation and bow its head to apologize to our club and basketball fans for the baseless false claim that KCC exerted influence over the Board."

In 2024, the KBL decided not to extend La Geon-ah's contract as a naturalized player and instead change it to a general contract like other foreign players. Accordingly, it was decided that the club that finally signed the foreign player would bear the income tax for that year. In this process, the KBL Board decided that the club signing the next contract would bear the comprehensive income tax for La Geon-ah's period with KCC from January to June 2024. However, Korea Gas Corporation did not comply with this.

As a result, the KBL imposed a disciplinary fine of 30 million won on Korea Gas Corporation and subsequently stripped them of their first-round draft pick in the next season's rookie draft. Korea Gas Corporation protested this by filing for a suspension of effect injunction.

Through this statement, KCC added, "If Korea Gas Corporation does not take satisfactory measures such as an immediate explanation and apology, we will take all necessary actions to restore the seriously damaged reputation and rights of our club and to prevent the foundation of professional basketball from being shaken. We also make it clear that all subsequent repercussions or responsibilities lie with the Korea Gas Corporation club."

▶ The following is Busan KCC's statement.

1. The Daegu Korea Gas Corporation club must immediately explain and apologize to our club and basketball fans for seriously damaging our club's reputation with false claims.

2. If an explanation and apology are not made within a short period, we will take all necessary measures, including legal action. We clearly state that any side effects or repercussions arising during this process are the responsibility of the Korea Gas Corporation club.

3. Our club once again emphasizes that the Board's resolution regarding player La Geon-ah's taxes, which is the essence of this matter, must be effectively implemented, and hopes that all clubs will unite their efforts for the development of professional basketball.

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*This content was translated by AI.