'Employee Embezzled Over 5.8 Billion Won in Public Funds': Gimpo FC Apologizes, "Confirmed Manipulation of Account Balances Through Document Forgery and Other Means; Bowing Head in Sorrow"

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid growing controversy after it was confirmed that an employee of the K League 2 soccer club Gimpo FC embezzled over 5.8 billion won in public funds, the club has finally issued a formal apology.

On the 15th, Gimpo FC stated, "We sincerely apologize for delivering such unpleasant news regarding the embezzlement incident," adding, "During an account review on July 10, the club confirmed that an internal employee had manipulated account balances through document forgery and false data."

The club further noted, "We immediately formed a team to conduct an internal investigation, which led to the discovery of additional embezzlement by the employee. Evidence was secured, and we have requested a police investigation. Simultaneously, we reported the matter to the superior institutional investor (Gimpo City). A police investigation is currently underway, and a rigorous audit by the superior institutional investor is scheduled."

Representatives of Gimpo FC stated, "All employees are taking this matter seriously and feel a heavy responsibility. We are focusing on the swift recovery of the embezzled funds and will actively cooperate with the police investigation and the audit by the superior institutional investor. Furthermore, we will do our utmost to educate and manage all members to ensure such an incident never occurs again."

They added, "We sincerely apologize once again to the citizens of Gimpo, Gold Crew (supporters), and all fans who love the K League for causing you concern."

Earlier, Lee Gi-hyeong, Mayor of Gimpo City and owner of Gimpo FC, held an emergency press conference at Gimpo City Hall on the 14th. He stated, "It has been confirmed that since January, an embezzlement incident involving over 5.8 billion won in public funds occurred due to an internal employee of Gimpo FC. This is a deeply heavy and heartbreaking situation. As the mayor responsible for the city administration, I feel profound regret and heavy responsibility for this serious corruption occurring in the capital-invested and sponsored institutional investor operated by citizens' tax money, and I sincerely apologize."

Gimpo City has decided to recover the embezzled public funds without fail, thoroughly pursue civil and criminal liability against those involved, and conduct a special audit of all capital-invested and sponsored institutional investors, including Gimpo FC. It was reported that the Korea Professional Football League is also aware of this situation involving Gimpo FC and is closely monitoring it.

Following the confirmation that an employee of the K League 2 club Gimpo FC embezzled over 5.8 billion won in public funds, sparking controversy, Gimpo FC supporters stated, "We cannot contain our despair and anger," adding, "We will watch the investigation process and follow-up measures for this incident until the end."

In response, the Gold Crew of Gimpo FC released a statement on the same day, saying, "As a civic club operated by the taxes of Gimpo citizens and the support of the local community, Gimpo FC is required to maintain a higher level of transparency and accountability than any other organization. Nevertheless, we cannot contain our despair and anger upon confirming embezzlement of over 5.8 billion won and learning that a police investigation and audit are underway. This embezzlement is not merely a financial loss; it is a serious matter that uproots the trust and affection citizens and fans have placed in the club, severely damaging the very foundation of a civic club's existence."

The Gold Crew further emphasized, "We must not try to move past this incident with formal apologies or one-off measures. We must present investigation results and responsible follow-up actions that can be accepted by Gimpo citizens and fans, along with practical measures to prevent recurrence. Until we regain the trust of citizens and fans and stand again as a civic club operated transparently, we will continuously demand clear and responsible responses."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.