Kim Jae-seop: "Jeonbuk Olympics Could Become Jamboree Season 2... Shifting the Blame to Seoul"

"Inadequate preparations for the Games... Reliance on Seoul's venues and finances"
"Demanding operating costs while seeking equal decision-making authority"
"Seoul Arena listed as a venue without prior consultation"

Kim Jaeseop, a People Power Party lawmaker, criticized Jeonbuk State, which is seeking to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, saying, "It is trying to turn the Olympics into 'Jamboree Season 2' and shift the blame onto Seoul." He argued that Jeonbuk is relying excessively on Seoul's venues and finances despite being unprepared for the Games.

On the 6th, Kim wrote on his social media account that Jeonbuk State was making unreasonable demands regarding joint hosting of the Olympics.

Kim Jaeseop, a People Power Party lawmaker. The Asia Business Daily

In February 2025, Jeonbuk State was selected over Seoul as South Korea's domestic candidate to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. In September 2026, it proposed co-hosting the Games with Seoul to address shortcomings in hosting conditions, including venues and accommodations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has put its review of the bid plan on hold at Jeonbuk State's request.

Kim, however, took issue with Jeonbuk State's plans to secure accommodations and venues. "The Games require 40,926 rooms in two- to five-star accommodations, but Jeonbuk has only 2,409 rooms, and not a single five-star hotel," he said. He added, "The athletes' village is not scheduled for completion until 2034, just two years before the Games, and the plan states that there are no suitable domestic candidate sites for equestrian events."

He also criticized the budget and venue plans. "While Tokyo and Paris each spent around 15 trillion won, Jeonbuk State arbitrarily cut the total project cost from 10.2905 trillion won to 6.9 trillion won without providing a basis," Kim said. "It is relying on the vague assumption that the share of funding from the national government will rise from 9.6% to 30%."

Kim also pointed out that Seoul Arena in Chang-dong, Dobong District, Seoul, was included in the Olympic venue plan. "Seoul Arena is a privately operated concert venue that has not even opened yet, and its future performance schedule has already been set," he said. "Yet the plan lists it as a volleyball venue without any prior consultation."

Kim also criticized Jeonbuk State for insisting that "Jeonju" remain in the name of the Games and demanding equal decision-making authority over the closing ceremony and the organizing committee, while asking Seoul to cover 60% of the enormous venue and operating costs. According to Kim, if contributions from partner cities fall short, up to 60% of the shortfall would have to be covered with taxes paid by Seoul residents. "Public spaces used in everyday life, such as Gwanghwamun Square and Hangang Park, would be taken over for temporary venues, and Dobong residents waiting for performances at Seoul Arena would also be harmed," he said.

"Why should Seoul residents suffer because of Jeonbuk State's unreasonable political demands?" Kim said, reiterating, "As a Seoul lawmaker, I will never tolerate this."

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