Ulsan, South Korea – A plan to renovate the seating at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium has sparked controversy, with fans of the Ulsan Hyundai FC soccer team accusing the city government of injecting political symbolism into the project.
The city of Ulsan has resumed construction on a project to replace 15,694 seats in the stadium's third tier, despite strong opposition from fans who argue that the new color scheme, featuring a gradient from blue to red, is politically motivated.
The project, funded by a combination of national and local government grants, aims to modernize the aging stadium. However, the decision to incorporate red, the color associated with the ruling People Power Party, has led to accusations that the city is attempting to promote the party's agenda.
Fans and Opposition Parties Speak Out
Ulsan Hyundai FC fans have expressed deep concern about the use of red in the stadium's color scheme, arguing that the color is associated with their team's biggest rival, Pohang Steelers, and that the city is attempting to politicize the stadium.
Local opposition party members have also joined the criticism, alleging that the city's mayor, Kim Doo-gyeom, has a history of using red in his political campaigns and that the stadium renovation is an attempt to further promote his party's image.
City Officials Defend the Decision
Ulsan city officials have defended the decision to use a red and blue gradient, arguing that it was based on expert advice and is intended to create a more dynamic and visually appealing atmosphere at the stadium. They have also stated that the decision to use red was not politically motivated.
City officials have further pointed out that Munsu Stadium is a public facility and that the use of a single color, such as blue, would be inappropriate for a stadium that hosts international matches.
Construction Delays and Fan Discontent
The ongoing construction is expected to be completed by mid-March, just before the start of the K-League season. However, fans are concerned that the delayed construction could disrupt the start of the season and impact attendance.
Ulsan Hyundai FC supporters have launched a series of protests, including a truck demonstration and an online petition, calling for the city to abandon the red color scheme and reconsider the design.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether the city of Ulsan will make any changes to the stadium renovation project.
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