*This content was translated by AI.
A 30-something accounting staff member at Gimpo FC of K League 2, who embezzled billions of won in club funds to purchase domestic and overseas real estate and luxury foreign cars, has been arrested by police.
According to a report by News1 on the 17th, the Gimpo Police Station announced that it has arrested A, a 30-something accounting staff member at Gimpo FC, on suspicion of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement in the course of duty). A is suspected of managing the club's accounts from January to July this year and embezzling a total of 5.8 billion won from the Gimpo FC budget.
Police investigation revealed that A used the embezzled club funds for personal gain, enjoying a lavish lifestyle. Using the stolen money, A purchased two properties in Japan as well as domestically, and repeatedly bought luxury foreign vehicles to increase personal assets.
In response, police are immediately proceeding with recovery procedures for criminal proceeds, including real estate and vehicles acquired by A. Furthermore, after receiving complaints from Gimpo City and others last July, the police have been conducting a full-scale investigation, keeping open the possibility of accomplices' involvement in the crime, as well as additional embezzlement and further crimes. A police official stated, "We are intensively examining whether there are other crimes committed by A," adding, "It is understood that most of the embezzled funds were squandered on acquiring personal assets."
As a historic-level embezzlement crime committed by a single employee at a citizen-owned club funded by citizens' tax money came to light, both inside and outside the soccer community was engulfed in strong shock and anger.
Especially, beyond the 5.8 billion won for which a warrant was issued this time, A's past actions have been revealed, causing the scandal to spread uncontrollably. According to a special audit conducted by Gimpo City last July, it was confirmed that A embezzled 180 million won in 2023 and between 2.3 billion and 2.4 billion won in 2025. Excluding only the year 2024 when A did not handle any accounting-related department duties, A continuously misappropriated large sums throughout their employment period. As a result, it is understood that A's cumulative embezzlement amount has far exceeded 8 billion won.
Facing an uncontrollable situation, the leadership of Gimpo FC also bowed their heads. Hong Kyung-ho, CEO of Gimpo FC, issued a formal apology through the club's official recruitment channels and social networking services (SNS) in early August, stating, "On July 18, I submitted my resignation for moral responsibility regarding this incident."
However, Lee Gi-hyeong, Mayor of Gimpo City and the person with appointment authority over the club, rejected the CEO's resignation. According to Gimpo City's personnel regulations, the resignation of a CEO requires approval from the mayor, who is the club owner, because the full details of the incident, specific facts of damage, and the scope of audits and investigations regarding relevant parties have not yet been clearly concluded. Consequently, the CEO has remained in office while cooperating with police investigations and city audits to manage the situation.
To assist in the operation of Gimpo FC, which is facing a crisis of dysfunction, the Korea Professional Football League even activated emergency support measures. In response to an official request from Gimpo City, which sought rapid normalization of Gimpo FC as a municipal investor and contributor, the league dispatched a dedicated support team composed of core headquarters personnel to the Gimpo site in early September.
The emergency support team was composed of experts including lawyers and accountants. They have been stationed at the Gimpo FC secretariat to completely overhaul the accounting system operation procedures that were compromised by embezzlement.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
