Goyang KB Kookmin Bank Football Club: A History of Success and Controversy
Goyang KB Kookmin Bank Football Club, often referred to simply as Goyang KB, was a prominent fixture in the South Korean football landscape. Based in the Seoul satellite city of Goyang, the club competed in the National League, which served as the third tier of the Korean football pyramid. While the club enjoyed significant on-field success, its history is marked by both championship triumphs and complex administrative challenges.
![ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Founded: 1969 (re-founded in 2000)
- Dissolved: November 2012
- Primary League: National League
- Home Ground: Goyang Stadium (Capacity: 41,311)
- Owner: KB Financial Group
- Major Honours: 3 National League titles, 6 President's Cup wins
The Early Years and K-League Era
The club's origins date back to September 1969 under the name Kookmin Bank FC. During its early years, the team was a powerhouse in amateur competitions, securing victories in the Korea Semi-Professional Football League in 1978 and multiple President's Cup titles in 1978 and 1983.
In 1983, the club made the leap to professional football as a founder member of the K-League. However, this professional stint was brief. After finishing last in its inaugural year and again finishing at the bottom of the table in 1984, the club made the strategic decision to return to the amateur ranks.
Resurgence and the National League
Returning to amateur football proved to be a winning move. The club continued to dominate various tournaments, including the President's Cup and the Industrial Amateur Football championship throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Despite a temporary dissolution following the 1997 South Korean financial crisis, the club was reconstituted on February 28, 2000.
The establishment of the National League in 2003 provided a structured platform for the club's second era of dominance. Originally based in Gimpo, the team moved to Goyang and rebranded as Goyang Kookmin Bank. Their success was immediate:
- 2003: Won the inaugural National League championship.
- 2004: Successfully defended their title.
- 2006: Secured their third championship crown.
The Promotion Controversy
The club's success in 2006 led to a significant controversy regarding promotion to the K-League. Although the National League winner was eligible for promotion, Goyang Kookmin Bank declined the opportunity. The club cited South Korean laws that restricted banks from engaging in profitable ventures outside of banking—a category that professional football fell under. Additionally, the high costs of entry and the financial risks associated with professional football were significant factors.
This decision drew heavy criticism and penalties from the league. The club faced threats of fines and expulsion, ultimately resulting in a points deduction split across the 2007 season.
![ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Club Summary and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Goyang KB Kookmin Bank Football Club |
| Nickname | Goyang KB / GKB |
| Chairman | Kang Jung-won |
| Manager (2012) | Lee Woo-hyung |
| National League Titles | 2003, 2004, 2006 |
| President's Cup Wins | 1973, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2003 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the club decline promotion to the K-League?
The club cited legal restrictions preventing banks from participating in profitable non-banking ventures, alongside the high financial entry fees and the potential for significant annual losses common in professional football.
When was the club dissolved?
The club was officially dissolved in November 2012.
What was the club's most successful period?
The club saw immense success in the early 2000s within the National League, winning three championships in four years (2003, 2004, and 2006).
Where did the club play its home matches?
The club played its home matches at the Goyang Stadium, which has a capacity of 41,311.
How many times did the club win the President's Cup?
The club won the President's Cup a total of six times: 1973, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, and 2003.