Changwon FC CEO Candidate Withdraws Amid Criminal Record Controversy ... "I Apologize for Causing Concern"

Changwon FC Foundation logo. [Image provided by Changwon City]

Lee Gwangcheol, the final candidate for appointment as CEO of Changwon FC in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, who faced controversy over his suitability for the position because of his criminal record, has said he will not take the general manager position ahead of the appointment decision.

In a statement on October 23, the candidate said, "I have decided to step back from pursuing the position of general manager of Changwon FC."

He said, "First, I sincerely apologize to the citizens of Changwon and the fans who care about Changwon FC for causing concern because of my past."

He continued, "I applied for the position of general manager of Changwon FC and underwent the personnel vetting process at the Changwon City Council. However, after reports in the media and a press conference by the Democratic Party brought my past criminal record to light, concerns have been raised about this appointment."

The candidate said, "I have taken my past mistakes seriously, deeply reflected on them, and lived with remorse. Since then, I have strived to do my part conscientiously on the football field."

He explained why he applied for the position, saying, "I wanted to devote the rest of my life to the development of local football, so I applied to become general manager of Changwon FC, despite my shortcomings."

He explained his decision to withdraw, saying, "Given the current circumstances, my taking the general manager position would place too great a burden on the mayor, and I decided it would not be in the best interests of the citizens of Changwon or the city's development."

The candidate said, "Although my journey ends here, I am not giving up on my commitment to Changwon FC and local football. I will continue to support the growth of football in Changwon quietly and sincerely as someone involved in the sport."

He added, "Once again, I deeply apologize for causing concern, and I hope you will continue to show Changwon FC your love and support."

Lee, who previously served as CEO of the Jeon Hyeongdu Football Scholarship Foundation, was selected as the final candidate for CEO of Changwon FC after undergoing a personnel hearing at the Changwon City Council.

During the personnel hearing, it emerged that the candidate had eight convictions: three for violence, three for drunk driving, and two for violations of the Game Industry Promotion Act related to operating illegal gambling arcades. However, on October 8, the Changwon City Council's Culture, Environment and Urban Affairs Committee adopted a personnel hearing report that deemed him qualified, stating that his record did not constitute grounds for disqualification under the club's bylaws or the law.

In response, Democratic Party city councilors have held one-person protests and rallies, among other actions, calling on Changwon Mayor Kang Kiyoon to withdraw the appointment before making a final decision.

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