Oh Se-hoon "Negligence in Managing Sangam Seoul World Cup Stadium... Truly Sorry" [2024 National Audit]

Earlier Players Criticized 'Jandi Condition'
Mayor Oh: "Will Invest More Budget Next Year"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon apologized, saying "I am truly sorry," in response to criticisms that the management of the grass field at Sangam Seoul World Cup Stadium has been neglected, causing a decline in game performance.

Mayor Oh made this remark on the 15th during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Seoul City at Seoul City Hall, in response to a related question from Wi Seong-gon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, Representative Wi played a news video containing football players' criticisms of the condition of the grass at Sangam Stadium and pointed out, "If the condition of the field is poor, players cannot control the ball accurately and passing becomes difficult," adding, "Seoul City received 8.3 billion KRW in rental income from the stadium but only spent 120 million KRW on maintenance."

In response, Mayor Oh acknowledged, "I admit that we failed to thoroughly manage the grass. However, this year, due to the heatwave, the damage to the grass was more severe than usual," and said, "Next year, we will invest in cooling fans and various other measures to mitigate the heatwave."

He also stated that more budget will be invested in the Sangam Seoul World Cup Stadium next year. Mayor Oh expressed his apologies to football fans and the public, saying, "I am truly sorry," and explained, "A larger budget has been allocated for next year."

According to data submitted by the Seoul Facilities Corporation to Yoon Young-hee, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council from the People Power Party, the corporation requested 1.55 billion KRW from Seoul City for grass replacement next year. This amount is nine times the grass replacement budget of 170 million KRW for this year.