Baseball Community Voices Concern: "Do Not Use Ulsan Whales as a Political Tool"

The baseball community has voiced concerns regarding recent remarks by Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook concerning the Ulsan Whales, in which he stated, "If the citizens do not want it, we can no longer provide municipal funding."

The Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (KPBPA), the representative body for KBO League players (President Yang Hyeon-jong), stated in a press release today, "Discussions regarding the necessity of the club's existence and its business feasibility have been ongoing concerning the operation and municipal financial support of the Ulsan Whales." The association added, "The Ulsan Whales should be evaluated comprehensively, not just based on league standing or short-term financial performance, but also on their public and industrial contributions."

Furthermore, the association argued, "The Ulsan Whales are a new club that was founded only about six months ago. Rather than deciding on their continued existence based solely on short-term financial results, a process must first be established to set clear evaluation criteria over a certain period of operation and objectively verify the effects on the local community, such as spectator influx, local consumption, city promotion, and the revitalization of youth baseball."

The Ilgu-hoe (President Kim Kwang-soo), an association of retired baseball players, also issued a statement on this day, criticizing the mayor by saying, "Do not use the Ulsan Whales as a political tool," and adding, "We express deep regret and strong concern over Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook's remarks regarding the Ulsan Whales."

Ilgu-hoe stated, "As the Ulsan Whales are operated with citizens' tax money, the mayor's position, which prioritizes public opinion and budget efficiency, should be respected." However, they pointed out, "Such judgments should be made based on sufficient review and objective evaluation after the season ends. Publicly discussing the club's existence while the season is in progress is an imprudent action."

They further urged, "Please refrain from making remarks that cause unnecessary confusion for the players and citizens, and present a clear vision for the stable operation of the Ulsan Whales and the development of local baseball."

Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook, who was elected during the June 3 local elections as part of the 9th popularly elected administration, recently appeared on a broadcast and stated, "More than 6 billion won in municipal budget is being spent annually. If municipal funds are being used, I believe that, fundamentally, the citizens must be able to agree with how that budget is spent."

He continued, "I ask that you become a club that the citizens want over the next 2 to 3 years," adding, "If the citizens do not want it, we can no longer provide municipal funding."

The Ulsan Whales are the first professional baseball civic club in Korea led by a local government. The team was founded in February of this year during the term of former Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom and joined the Futures League (the KBO's minor league).
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.