'Ulsan Whales Must Be Protected' Ilgukhoe and Players Association Jointly Release Statements: "Urge Stable Operations → Will Actively Cooperate"

*This content was translated by AI.

The baseball community has uniformly expressed concern and support for Ulsan Whales, which is embroiled in controversy over local government budget support and the club's future existence.

On the 16th, the Korean Professional Baseball Players Association (President Yang Hyeon-jong, hereinafter Players Association) and the Ilgukhoe (President Kim Kwang-soo) each released statements emphasizing the public value of Ulsan Whales and urging the city of Ulsan to make a careful decision and establish practical support measures.

The Players Association stated, "Ulsan Whales surpassed 50,000 cumulative spectators within five months of its founding, proving the demand for baseball in the region," and emphasized that the club is performing public roles that cannot be evaluated solely by short-term financial performance, such as expanding sports enjoyment rights for local residents, revitalizing youth baseball, and creating opportunities for released and amateur players to try again.

It further noted, "While the club must also reduce its reliance on public funds through transparent information disclosure and the development of its own revenue models," it added that "the decision on its survival should not be made based on short-term results; objective verification must precede such decisions." The Players Association also expressed its intention to actively consider cooperation programs, including talent donations and clinics by professional players, to expand the base of baseball in the Ulsan region.

Meanwhile, Ilgukhoe strongly expressed regret over recent remarks by Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook regarding club operations. The mayor mentioned an annual budget allocation of 6 billion won and stated that he would gather public opinion after the season ends, but Ilgukhoe characterized this as a hasty statement implying the possibility of dissolving the club.

Ilgukhoe pointed out, "Bringing up the issue of the club's existence at a time when the season is in full swing and the team is leading the Southern League has caused significant confusion among players and fans." It also stated, "Ulsan City has consistently provided budget support to the Ulsan Citizen Football Club in the K3 League; prioritizing budgetary arguments only for baseball is unfair." The organization urged the city to present a clear vision for stable operations and the development of local baseball.

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*This content was translated by AI.