Kim Byung-ji finally apologizes: "There was misunderstanding in my expression; I sincerely apologize"... On the controversy over Chuncheon Mayor's stadium access restrictions, he states, "I never gave such an order."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Byung-ji, CEO of K League 1's Gangwon FC Kim Byeong-ji (CEO), has finally apologized for remarks made during a press conference that sparked controversy during last year's negotiations to host the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) in Chuncheon.

In a statement released on the 13th through Gangwon-area media, Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) said, "There was misunderstanding due to expressions used during a press conference held while negotiating the ACLE Chuncheon hosting last April," and added, "I sincerely apologize to all Chuncheon citizens, the Chuncheon Mayor, and Chuncheon city officials."

At that time, Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) sparked controversy by comparing Chuncheon's spectator numbers and season ticket sales performance with other regions while explaining differences in conditions and operational environments for hosting matches across Gangwon Province. As a result, banners demanding Kim Byeong-ji (CEO)'s resignation were even hung near the stadium in the Chuncheon area.

Kim (CEO) stated, "The purpose of that press conference was to explain the differences in match-hosting conditions and operational environments by region. There was absolutely no intention to discriminate against or belittle Chuncheon City. Rather, I intended to convey that ACLE should be held in Chuncheon, not outside Gangwon Province." He added, "However, regardless of my intent, I apologize to those who experienced discomfort and were hurt by these remarks."

Nevertheless, Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) drew a clear line stating that the controversy over the recall of access passes for Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han and related officials' stadium access restrictions in May last year was unrelated to him.

He said, "Although banners demanding my resignation were hung around the stadium after that press conference, I never issued an order to remove them. Similarly, I never gave any instruction regarding the return of the Chuncheon Mayor's pass or the ban on stadium access." He added, "Nevertheless, as the CEO responsible for overseeing all home games of the club, I regret that such an incident occurred."

Kim Byung-ji's belated apology regarding last year's incident is interpreted as a response to Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han's demand for a "sincere apology" after he was subjected to stadium access restrictions last year.

Earlier, Mayor Yuk stated on the 11th regarding Gangwon FC's home match hosting: "(Chuncheon) citizens hope to be able to watch Gangwon FC matches at Songam in 2027. However, we cannot simply move past what happened last year as if nothing occurred." He continued, "This is not a matter of the mayor's personal reputation or emotions. It is about respect for Chuncheon citizens and football fans. A sincere apology from Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) to the citizens will be the starting point for resuming normal relations." Two days later, Kim Byeong-ji (CEO)'s statement was made public.

Meanwhile, Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) said, "Last year, Gangwon FC reached a historic moment by advancing to Asia's top stage for the first time since its founding. Many people cooperated and worked hard to host ACLE matches in Gangwon Province." He expressed gratitude to Gangneung City and Chuncheon City while urging active participation in hosting home games for the 2027 season.

Kim (CEO) recalled, "Originally, we planned to host matches in Gangneung City according to agreements signed with both cities. However, despite Gangneung City's assistance, it became difficult to meet all AFC hosting conditions. In response, Gangneung City understood and cooperated so that matches could be held in other cities within the province, while Chuncheon City made great efforts to host despite the sudden situation. Without the cooperation of both Gangneung and Chuncheon Cities, Gangwon FC's first challenge on the Asian stage would have been difficult to hold within Gangwon Province."

He continued, "We sincerely thank Chuncheon City and Gangneung City, as well as citizens of both regions, for responding to requests to host K League and Korea Cup matches. Gangwon FC is a club for all residents of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. We will continue to cooperate with relevant institutional investors to ensure smooth hosting of home games within the province. We ask Chuncheon City and Gangneung City to jointly review the standards and procedures for hosting 2027 season home matches and actively participate in future negotiations, including submission of letters of intent. Gangwon FC will always do its best to bring joy and pride to all residents."

Below is the full text of Kim Byeong-ji (CEO)'s statement.

A Message from Kim Byeong-ji (CEO) to All Residents of Gangwon Province

Apology Regarding Press Conference on 2025-2026 ACLE and Gratitude for Hosting Cooperation

Hello. I am Kim Byung-ji, CEO of Gangwon FC. Gangwon FC is currently negotiating with Chuncheon City, Gangneung City, and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province regarding the hosting of 2027 season home matches. In this process, I felt it necessary to reflect on what happened last year. Therefore, I would like to share my position on the situation at that time.

First, there was misunderstanding due to expressions I used during a press conference held while negotiating ACLE Chuncheon hosting after it became difficult to host 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) in Gangneung City in April 2025. The purpose of that press conference was to explain the differences in match-hosting conditions and operational environments by region. There was absolutely no intention to discriminate against or belittle Chuncheon City. Rather, I intended to convey that ACLE should be held in Chuncheon, not outside Gangwon Province. However, regardless of my intent, I sincerely apologize to all Chuncheon citizens, the Chuncheon Mayor, and Chuncheon city officials who experienced discomfort and were hurt by these remarks.

Regarding the incident on May 3, 2025, when access passes for Chuncheon Mayor and related officials were recalled and their stadium access was restricted during Gangwon FC's home match against Suwon FC in Round 11 of K League 1 2025: Although banners demanding my resignation were hung around the stadium after that press conference, just as I never issued an order to remove them, I never gave any instruction regarding the return of the Chuncheon Mayor's pass or the ban on stadium access. Nevertheless, as the CEO responsible for overseeing all home games of the club, I regret that such an incident occurred.

Last year, Gangwon FC reached a historic moment by advancing to Asia's top stage for the first time since its founding. Many people cooperated and worked hard to host ACLE matches in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Originally, we planned to host matches in Gangneung City according to agreements signed with both cities. However, despite Gangneung City's assistance, it became difficult to meet all AFC hosting conditions. In such circumstances, Gangneung City understood and cooperated so that matches could be held in other cities within the province, while Chuncheon City made great efforts to host despite the sudden situation. Without the cooperation of both Gangneung and Chuncheon Cities, Gangwon FC's first challenge on the Asian stage would have been difficult to hold within Gangwon Province. I would like to express my gratitude once again on this occasion. We sincerely thank Chuncheon City and Gangneung City, as well as citizens of both regions, for responding to requests to host K League and Korea Cup matches.

Gangwon FC is a club for all residents of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. We will continue to cooperate with relevant institutional investors to ensure smooth hosting of home games within the province. We ask Chuncheon City and Gangneung City to jointly review the standards and procedures for hosting 2027 season home matches and actively participate in future negotiations, including submission of letters of intent. Gangwon FC will always do its best to bring joy and pride to all residents.

August 13, 2026

Kim Byung-ji, CEO of Gangwon FC

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*This content was translated by AI.