Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Woo Sang-ho on Tuesday ordered a review of Gangwon FC's decision on home game venues for the 2027-2028 season, directing the club to explore holding matches in Chuncheon, the seat of the provincial government.
Following the directive, Gangwon FC and Chuncheon city agreed to continue working-level consultations on hosting home games in the city.
The provincial government said it plans to actively pursue an arrangement in which both Gangneung and Chuncheon serve as home venues for Gangwon FC.
"Gangwon FC is not a club for any single region — it belongs to all residents of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province," a provincial official said. "We hope the club and Chuncheon city will approach their discussions with an open mind, so that Gangneung and Chuncheon can cheer on and help grow Gangwon FC together."
Kim Byung-ji, the former national team goalkeeper who serves as Gangwon FC's representative, drew public outrage last year after making disparaging remarks about Chuncheon. He issued an apology to the city and its residents only last week — a full year later.
The club notified Chuncheon city on Monday that it would not hold home games there next season, triggering an angry backlash from residents of Chuncheon and communities in the Yeongbuk and Yeongseo regions, with some demanding the club be expelled from the city immediately.
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