Changwon Democratic Party Council Members: "Stop Appointment of Changwon FC CEO Nominee with 8 Convictions"

Democratic Party of Korea members of the Changwon Special City Council in Gyeongsangnam-do have strongly called for a halt to the appointment process for the final candidate for CEO of the Changwon FC Foundation.

On the 20th, the council members held a rally in front of the city council and called on the mayor of Changwon to suspend the appointment.

They said, "Changwon FC is a club run with taxpayers' money and belongs to the citizens, with responsibility for the development of local soccer and the future of youth players," adding, "The CEO of Changwon FC must have not only expertise and management skills, but also the morality and sense of responsibility expected by citizens."

They continued, "At the city council's personnel hearing on the 7th, concerns were raised about the CEO nominee's past record, morality, expertise, and management capabilities. A record of eight punishments was confirmed, including three cases involving violence, three cases of drunk driving, and two violations of the Game Industry Promotion Act related to operating illegal gambling game rooms," they said, adding, "However, the report on the proceedings of the personnel hearing was adopted on the 8th with the conclusion that the nominee was qualified."

They said, "We cannot help but ask whether this judgment aligns with citizens' common sense and expectations, and whether sufficient vetting has been conducted to determine if the nominee is fit to lead a club belonging to the citizens."

The Democratic Party caucus of the Changwon Special City Council is calling for a halt to the appointment of the final candidate for CEO of the Changwon FC Foundation. [Photo by Lee Seryeong]

The council members said, "We are not arguing that a person should be permanently deprived of social opportunities solely because of past wrongdoing," but drew a distinction, saying, "Giving an individual another chance and appointing the head of a public institution funded by taxpayers are clearly different matters."

They also agreed that "a stricter standard is needed for the head of a citizens' club, who should serve as a role model for youth players and coaches."

They added, "The final appointing authority is the mayor of Changwon. A finding that the nominee is qualified at a personnel hearing does not resolve all concerns. It is the mayor's responsibility to answer the questions raised by citizens and uphold fair personnel principles."

The council members stressed, "The mayor must immediately halt the appointment process for the Changwon FC CEO nominee," and "The standards for vetting the morality and expertise of public institution heads must be strengthened."

Lee Woowan, floor leader of the council's Democratic Party group, said, "This is a matter the mayor must judge independently, apart from the city council's finding that the nominee is qualified." He added, "If the mayor pushes ahead with the appointment, we will put up banners condemning the appointment throughout Changwon and call on the mayor to make a decision through five-minute speeches and interpellations at the city council."

Changwon FC CEO candidate Lee Gwangcheol was deemed qualified at a personnel hearing held by the Changwon City Council's Committee on Culture, Environment and Urban Affairs on the 8th.

Although the candidate went through the recommendation committee and the hearing process of the relevant standing committee, controversy has arisen after reports emerged of a total of eight punishments, including three cases involving violence, three cases of drunk driving, and two violations of the Game Industry Promotion Act.

Mayor Kang Giyoon was asked about the matter at a press conference marking his 100th day in office and replied, "I have a lot of concerns."

Mayor Kang said, "The nominee passed the hearing by the relevant standing committee of the city council, and now it is my turn to state my position." He added, "Even after going through the procedures, I have many concerns about how to interpret the matter and what standards to apply."

He said, "People can make mistakes in life, and some may reflect on them and work to start a new life." He added, "I regret that more importance was not placed on whether the person has the ability and can do the job well, rather than judging them based on their past record."

However, he added, "If many citizens are concerned, that is also something we cannot overlook, so I have a lot of concerns," and said, "I hope this will not be interpreted politically."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.