Gimcheon City debates transitioning Sangmu FC to citizen-owned club

Gimcheon City is deliberating whether to transition the Gimcheon Sangmu FC football club into a citizen-owned professional club. This decision comes as the current hosting agreement with the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps is set to expire at the end of 2026.

Proponents of the transition, including over 11,000 signatories, argue that the club provides invaluable city branding, economic benefits for local businesses, and a sense of civic pride. They view the club as a strategic investment in sports marketing and regional vitality.

Opponents raise concerns regarding fiscal sustainability. Gimcheon City currently spends approximately 2.5 billion won annually on the club, but transitioning to a full citizen club is estimated to increase annual operating costs to 110 billion won, primarily due to player salaries. Critics point out that the city's low financial independence rate makes such a massive recurring expenditure risky.

To reach a decision, the city will conduct a public opinion survey of approximately 800 citizens and hold a public hearing in August. A final decision on the transition is expected by late September, taking into account public sentiment and the feasibility of securing funding, which includes proposed support from Gyeongsangbuk-do province.