Mayor Kim Kyungil: "Promotion to K League 2 Will Elevate Paju's City Brand and Boost the Local Economy"

Mobile Mayor's Office Held at NFC
Citizens Gather to Discuss Paju's Football Future and K League 2 Promotion

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province held a mobile mayor's office on September 5 at the Paju National Football Team Training Center (NFC) conference room to listen to citizens' opinions regarding the Paju Citizen Football Club's entry into K League 2.

Kim Kyungil, Mayor of Paju, held a mobile mayor's office on the 5th at the Paju National Football Team Training Center (NFC) conference room. Provided by Paju City

The event, held under a banner reading "Promotion to K League 2! Mobile Mayor's Office with Citizens," was filled with about 100 attendees, including the Paju Citizen Football Club's supporter group "Soolihol," parents and coaches of youth football club members, officials from the sports council and football association, as well as ordinary citizens. This turnout reflected the high level of interest among Paju residents in the club's advancement to K League 2.

Taking the microphone and stepping in front of the audience, Mayor Kim Kyungil opened the discussion by saying, "Only sports can unite all disparate things into one, as if melting them together in a furnace." He emphasized, "The most positive effect we expect from Paju Citizen Football Club's promotion to K League 2 is that every citizen will be able to feel a sense of unity as a resident of Paju."

Without a separate moderator, Mayor Kim Kyungil personally led the discussion, briefly sharing the current preparations of the Paju Citizen Football Club before immediately handing the microphone to the citizens. For about an hour, more than ten citizens and football officials raised questions and shared their opinions.

Most of the comments from members of the supporter group and football officials focused on how to address the still insufficient infrastructure, even though the club has already secured the first-stage approval for K League 2 membership. In particular, the poor parking conditions and lack of public transportation accessibility at the home stadium, Paju Stadium, were highlighted as major issues. In response, Mayor Kim Kyungil stated that the city is considering measures such as adjusting public transportation routes and operating shuttle buses.

There were also repeated requests to establish and support youth football teams. In response, Mayor Kim said, "It is important to create youth teams under the professional football club to prevent local talent from leaving the area." He added, "Starting next year, we plan to immediately operate one team and gradually organize youth teams by age group," outlining Paju City's position. He also stated that the city will establish a long-term operational foundation by running youth academies and hosting youth football tournaments in the future.

Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees after holding a mobile mayor's office at the Paju National Football Team Training Center (NFC) conference room on the 5th. Provided by Paju City

While the majority of attendees expressed their expectations and support for the club's promotion to K League 2, some raised concerns about the lack of funding plans and called for a more cautious review.

A representative of an online community remarked, "There have been many criticisms about the lack of public discussion until now, so it's fortunate that this opportunity has finally been provided." He continued, "There are quite a few people who argue that expanding public transportation and essential infrastructure is more urgent than operating a professional football club, which costs billions of won each year." He asked for the city's position regarding some citizens' dissatisfaction and concerns. Another citizen directly asked, "What future benefits will Paju City gain from promotion to K League 2?"

Mayor Kim Kyungil explained, "We allocate the budget by considering both citizens' daily lives and the city's future within the overall budget scale, and we are making practical efforts to improve transportation, such as expanding the semi-public bus system." He emphasized, "The promotion of Paju Citizen Football Club to K League 2 will enhance the dignity of Paju City and serve as an important opportunity to unite citizens."

Mayor Kim added, "Promotion to K League 2 will elevate Paju's city brand and contribute to the development of the local economy and culture. As a citizen club, we will establish a stable foundation and create a football culture that everyone can enjoy together."