Ansan City Survey Results
Legal Consultation, City Council Report, and Contract Signing Planned
Ansan City in Gyeonggi Province announced on November 8 that nearly 70% of citizens were in favor of renaming the Sangroksu Gymnasium to include the name of volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung, according to a recent public opinion survey.
Kim Yeon-koung, who was born in Ansan, attended elementary and middle school in the city. Throughout her athletic career, she has consistently contributed her talents to support aspiring youth volleyball players in Ansan.
From September 25 to October 24, Ansan City conducted both online and offline surveys to gather public opinion on the proposed name change for Sangroksu Gymnasium. Out of 1,564 participants, 1,093 people (69.8%) supported the name change, while 471 people (30.1%) opposed it.
When asked about the most suitable new name, 60.2% of supporters (658 people) chose "Sangroksu Kim Yeon-koung Gymnasium," while 30.6% (335 people) preferred "Kim Yeon-koung Sangroksu Gymnasium." Other suggestions included "Kim Yeon-koung Gymnasium" and "Ansan Kim Yeon-koung Gymnasium."
The city plans to use the results of this public opinion survey to select the final name, after which it will seek legal counsel, report to the city council, and proceed with contract negotiations with Kim Yeon-koung's representatives.
Ansan City is pursuing the inclusion of Kim Yeon-koung's name in the gymnasium as part of a star marketing strategy to promote the city's brand. Through the renaming and new utilization of Sangroksu Gymnasium, Ansan City aims to establish itself as a "volleyball city." Born in 1988, Kim Yeon-koung is a superstar from Ansan. She was born in Chojidong, Ansan, and attended Ansanseo Elementary School and Wongok Middle School, spending her formative years in the city.
Recently, Kim Yeon-koung has taken on the role of "coach" in a volleyball entertainment program, which was filmed at Sangroksu Gymnasium.
Meanwhile, Sangroksu Gymnasium had served as the home arena for the men's volleyball team OK Savings Bank until last year. However, ahead of this season, OK Savings Bank relocated its home base from Ansan to Busan, leaving the venue vacant.
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