DATELINE: Korea
Friday, June 28, 2002
World Cup.
Enthusiasm for Red Devils
Energizes Korea's Soccer Fans.
By Jungmin Park,
former IEP student and UCA graduate.
WRITER'S NOTE: Hi, I want to share the festival mood in Korea due to the World Cup. I am little bit afraid to write something in English because it has been a quite long time. I hope you don't mind if I make some grammar mistakes. As you know, Korea and Japan are holding the World Cup (soccer) in June 2002.
Rehersal for the Opening Ceremonies in Seoul. |
The 2002 World Cup brought many things to Korea and the national soccer team, the main one being confidence. Throughout the matches, people of all ages and both sexes came together exhibiting enthusiastic energy. You might have heard about the Korean fans, the "Red Devils." It has been a pretty exciting experience even for me. I have never seen Korean united like this before. The fans were there from everywhere in Korea; every Korean team came to support our players. The Red Devils consist of all different ages of Koreans. They wear red clothes and Korean flags. People say that because of the Korean fans, the Korean team has performed very well in this World Cup.
Yes, it's true. The Korean team had never made the Top 16 before. That's why I am shocked, too. I am so proud of our team and the Korean fans.
According to International reporters, "No Asian team had previously reached the World Cup semifinals in the 72-year history of the tournament, but that's the territory the South Korean squad chartered into Tuesday night over at Sangam Stadium in Seoul to face Germany. And regardless of Team Korea's 1:0 defeat by the European powerhouse, media around the globe applauded the national players for their remarkable performance on the road to the 'final four.' The US sports network ESPN commented on the strong play of the co-host group, headed by coach Guus Hiddink."
Guus Hiddink, Korea's Dutch coach, is really popular in Korea now.
Most people love him and hope Guus will stay in Korea longer. He will be an honorable citizen of Seoul.
The government is planning to vote in the National Assembly about whether to designate July 1 as a national holiday for celebrating the successful hosting of the games and for South Korea's qualifying for the semifinals for the first time in 48 years, regardless of whether the national soccer team advances to the final.
Here are some pictures in Seoul.
As you know Korea had a game with the U.S.A (1:1) in Daegu. One of the U.S fans (mother and son) was supporting their team. |
You can also see many people in the downtown. Some seven million soccer fans cheered for Korea's team in the streets all over the country, sending heartwarming encouragement and words of comfort Tuesday. |
While defeat by the Germans hindered the much-hoped for journey to Yokohama, the skies above Gwanghwamun were filled with fireworks after the Korean dream made a final stop. The nation appreciated the good fight of Korea's eleven and enjoyed the last night of the dream. |
Jungmin Park can be contacted |
