Gwangju Gyeonggi Pohang Steelers Fan Overseas Expedition
Gwangju FC Addresses Fan Misconduct, bans Some pohang Steelers Supporters

Gwangju FC has decided to permanently ban certain Pohang Steelers fans following social media posts that denigrated Gwangju during a recent professional football game at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium.The posts, shared on online platforms, used language that disparaged Gwangju, likening it to a foreign country.
On Tuesday, Gwangju FC and Gwangju City jointly announced their decision to send a letter to the Pohang Steelers club, informing them of the ban on the offending fans.
The incident occurred on March 22nd during the K-League 1 match between Gwangju FC and Pohang Steelers at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium. Gwangju FC and Gwangju City officials stated that some Pohang fans, in Gwangju to support their team, posted inappropriate and demeaning content about the region on social media.
One post showed a sign for ’Guangzhou Street,’ a road named to honor Gwangju’s sister city relationship with Guangzhou,China,and captioned it as passing overseas entry screening.
Another post, taken at a restaurant the night before the game, was labeled Overseas Expedition Eve.
The term other country
is sometimes used on far-right online communities to refer to Gwangju in a derogatory manner.
amidst growing criticism, Ultras Levante, a group within the Pohang Steelers Supporters Solidarity, issued an apology via social media. They stated, I apologize to Gwangju FC fans and Gwangju citizens who have been made uncomfortable by expressing the Gwangju expedition as an overseas expedition.
However, Gwangju FC and the city government view the incident as more than just a minor offense by a few fans, considering it a serious issue that promotes regional animosity. gwangju FC has formally requested an official apology from Pohang, along with a thorough investigation and preventative measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Fans have also called for measures to prevent similar incidents during Gwangju FC games held in Pohang. Gwangju FC has requested the Professional Football Federation to develop a plan to sanction inappropriate fan behavior occurring outside of the stadium.
Gwangju FC emphasized that the incident caused great wounds and anger in Gwangju soccer fans and also 1.4 million Gwangju citizens.
Gwangju FC Addresses Fan Misconduct, Bans Pohang Steelers Supporters: Q&A
Key Issues and Actions
Why Did Gwangju FC Ban Pohang Steelers Supporters?
Gwangju FC banned certain Pohang Steelers fans due to their social media posts that disparaged Gwangju during a K-League 1 match.
The posts used derogatory language, likening Gwangju to a “foreign country.”
What Specific Actions Led to the Ban?
Offensive content shared on social media included:
A post showing a sign for ‘Guangzhou Street’ (Gwangju’s sister city) and the caption “passing overseas entry screening.”
A post labeling a restaurant visit as “Overseas Expedition Eve.”
These posts were considered offensive and promoted regional animosity.
Where Did These Incidents Occur?
The offensive social media posts were made by Pohang Steelers fans during and around a K-League 1 match between Gwangju FC and Pohang Steelers.
The match took place on March 22nd at Gwangju World cup Stadium.
What Is the Context Behind the Derogatory Language Used?
The term “other country” is sometimes used on far-right online communities with a derogatory meaning towards Gwangju.
What Was the Response from Pohang Steelers Supporters?
Ultras Levante, a group within the Pohang Steelers Supporters Solidarity, issued a social media apology.
The apology expressed regret for causing discomfort to Gwangju FC fans and citizens.
Official Responses and demands
What Actions Has Gwangju FC Taken?
Gwangju FC and Gwangju City jointly announced their decision to ban the offending Pohang Steelers fans permanently.
They have sent a formal letter to the Pohang Steelers club,informing them of the ban.
They have formally requested an official apology from Pohang Steelers.
Gwangju FC has requested a thorough investigation and preventative measures.
They have requested the Professional Football Federation to develop a plan to sanction inappropriate fan behavior occurring outside of the stadium.
What Are Gwangju FC’s demands?
an official apology from the Pohang Steelers club.
A thorough investigation into the fan behavior.
Preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
What Is the view of Gwangju FC and the City Government Regarding This Incident?
Gwangju FC and the city government view the incident as a serious issue.
They believe the posts promote regional animosity and have caused “great wounds and anger” to the local community.
What Measures Are Being Considered to Prevent Future Incidents?
Gwangju FC has requested that the Professional football Federation develop a plan to sanction inappropriate fan behavior, even when it occurs outside the stadium.
There are calls for measures to prevent similar incidents during Gwangju FC games held in Pohang.
How Does This Incident Impact the Relationship Between the Two Clubs and Their Fans?
The incident has strained the relationship between the clubs and their fan bases.
* Gwangju FC highlighted the deep impact of the incident, noting that it affected Gwangju soccer fans and the 1.4 million citizens of Gwangju.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| ——————— | —————————————————————————- |
| Incident | Derogatory social media posts by Pohang Steelers fans regarding Gwangju |
| Date | March 22, 2025 |
| Location | Gwangju World Cup stadium |
| Action | Gwangju FC banned offending fans and requested an official apology |
| Impact | Promotes regional animosity; caused anger and wounds with the Gwangju community|
| Future | Calls for preventative measures and increased sanctions for inappropriate fan behavior |
