Fans are furious, the club launches an 'unprecedented special audit'... Kim Joong-do pushed into a corner Incheon YNa I-ti-deu (CEO)director

*This content was translated by AI.

'No plan for Kim Joong-do', 'Inadequate (or) operating conditions, get out'.

On the 16th at Incheon Football Stadium, where Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 23 between Incheon United and Kim Cheon (SVP) took place. Just before kickoff, banners were unfurled as usual in the stands packed with Incheon fans. The angry banners called for the resignation of Jo Geon-do (CEO) director. This was not limited to this day. On the 29th last year during the Korea Cup Round 3 match against Gimpo FC, banners reading 'Explain the suspicions about Kim Joong-do' were displayed, and on the 26th before that during the Bucheon FC match, fans unfurled sharp banners such as 'Internal corruption by Kim Joong-do, get out' and 'Outdated management! Kim Joong-do.' Even in this match held at Incheon's home stadium about 20 days after the Gimpo game last month, fans' anger toward Jo Geon-do (CEO) director filled the stadium.

This is the fans' fury following repeated allegations surrounding Jo Geon-do (CEO) director. Since taking office in January last year, Jo Geon-do (CEO) director has been at the center of various abuse-of-power allegations, including unauthorized use of staff for personal matters, suspicions of hiring the son of the city council president as an intern, and mobilizing youth coaches for a politician's book launch event. Even more recently, he faced accusations of unilaterally raising his own salary by tens of millions of won without board approval.

Finally, the club's board of directors recently decided to launch a 'special audit' into the various allegations surrounding Jo Geon-do (CEO) director. This is an unprecedented situation for the club. The special audit, led by the club's auditor, will soon determine the composition of the audit team and the audit methods following consultations with Incheon City. Facing intense pressure to resign, Jo Geon-do (CEO) director has maintained that all allegations are baseless, but if even some of the suspicions are confirmed as true through the special audit, it could significantly impact his future.

The key issue is whether the special audit will be conducted swiftly and objectively. There are many matters to negotiate, including the composition of the audit team, the audit methods, and the duration. For a smooth special audit, procedures such as suspending Jo Geon-do (CEO) director from duty and appointing an acting successor are necessary. At least there is hope based on Incheon City Mayor Park Chan-dae, who is also the owner of the Incheon club, promising Incheon fans: "We will verify the facts swiftly and thoroughly and prepare strict disciplinary actions and improvement measures according to the investigation results."

Even at Incheon Football Stadium on the 16th where banners such as 'No plan for Kim Joong-do' and 'Inadequate operating conditions, get out' were unfurled, Jo Geon-do (CEO) director visited the stadium to gauge fan sentiment. Banners had already been displayed in front of Jo (CEO) director during previous home matches, and angry fans are expected to continue pressuring Jo (CEO) director at every upcoming home game. A club official stated, "Not only Incheon fans but also those within the club and even Incheon City have turned their backs on Jo Geon-do (CEO) director. He is effectively cornered alone," while adding, "Nevertheless, there are no signs that he intends to step down voluntarily. Depending on the results of the special audit, he may be forced to resign in disgrace."

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*This content was translated by AI.