'Employee embezzlement of 8.2 billion won': Gimpo FC chairman bows head... "Even 2 billion won in sponsorship cannot cover this mistake; resignation letter submitted"

*This content was translated by AI.

With suspected employee embezzlement at K League 2 club Gimpo FC exceeding 8.2 billion won, chairman Hong Kyung-ho issued a public apology and submitted his resignation letter.

On the 3rd, Gimpo FC released an apology statement under Hong (CEO) via the club's social media (SNS).

Hong (CEO) stated, "I sincerely bow my head to apologize to the citizens of Gimpo and all fans for causing such great shock and disappointment," adding, "I still cannot hide this heavy heart."

Gimpo FC is facing allegations of large-scale embezzlement by a 30-something employee, A, who was in charge of financial account cash management. Earlier, during a special audit on the 28th of last month, it was revealed that A had embezzled an additional 2.49 billion won through false reporting and other means. Adding this to the previously identified 5.8 billion won, the total suspected embezzlement amount now exceeds 8.2 billion won.

According to Gimpo FC, this incident was discovered while the club conducted an internal audit after identifying suspicious signs on its own. Currently, investigations and criminal inquiries by relevant authorities are underway.

Hong (CEO) stated that he has already submitted his resignation letter to bear moral responsibility for this situation. He said, "On July 18, I submitted my resignation letter as a director to take moral responsibility for this incident," adding, "Although the resignation letter has not yet been officially accepted, I have already chosen the path of taking responsibility."

Hong (CEO) acknowledged that even if he was not directly involved in the embezzlement, as the chairman responsible for the club, he could not escape responsibility for this incident.

He said, "Regardless of how the incident began, as the chairman responsible for a citizen-owned club, I can never be free from the responsibilities of management and supervision," and added, "That is why I chose to take responsibility rather than make excuses."

He also revealed his affection for Gimpo FC and his support over the years. Hong (CEO) explained, "Gimpo FC was not just a club where I held a position for me," and "With the hope that Gimpo FC would grow into a club loved by citizens, I have consistently supported the club since 2023."

He continued, "In 2026, I planned to support with 2 billion won as the main sponsor and participate with greater responsibility," adding, "With the hope that people would believe in Gimpo FC's future, I personally asked surrounding companies for sponsorship, and many joined in this intention."

However, he drew a line stating that the time and sponsorship poured into the club could not serve as an exemption from this incident. Hong (CEO) bowed his head, saying, "The time and effort I spent for Gimpo FC, along with my sponsorship, cannot cover up this mistake," and added, "On the contrary, I feel even more sorry and ashamed because of that."

He then repeatedly apologized, stating, "Countless citizens have cheered for us, players have sweated and protected the field, and sponsors have lent their strength believing in Gimpo FC's future. Yet, facing the fact that such an incident occurred at a club that should uphold this trust, as chairman, I feel deep responsibility."

However, he urged that neither Gimpo FC nor its players and staff working on the field should be ignored due to this incident.

Hong (CEO) stated, "Gimpo FC is not a club for any specific individual; it belongs to all citizens," and added, "I hope that due to this incident, neither Gimpo FC itself nor the players and staff who have quietly fulfilled their roles on the field should be ignored or hurt."

He further emphasized, "Mistakes must certainly be corrected, but the future of Gimpo FC must not come to a halt."

He promised to actively cooperate with investigations and inquiries by relevant authorities. Hong (CEO) said, "Going forward, I will faithfully cooperate until the end with investigations and inquiries by relevant authorities," and added, "I sincerely hope that through this incident, the accounting and internal control systems will be improved more transparently, allowing the club to regain citizens' trust and be reborn."

Finally, he conveyed, "I sincerely thank all citizens and fans who have believed in and supported Gimpo FC over the years, sponsors who have given unwavering support, and players and staff who have dedicated themselves to the club."

He continued, "Because I was an inadequate chairman, I caused even greater disappointment. All responsibility will remain in my heart for a long time," and bowed his head again, saying, "Once again, I deeply apologize to all citizens."

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*This content was translated by AI.