Held for 31 days (May 31 to June 30), the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan
was the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by two countries. It was also the
first World Cup Tournament to be held outside Europe and the Americas.
The event produced a series of unexpected results, of which the most
unexpected was probably South Korea’s remarkable success in reaching the
semi-finals. The event also served as an occasion to reveal another aspect
of South Koreans to people all over the world: soccer fans in red T shirts
enthusiastically supporting their national team. Tens of thousands of fans
fervently cheering on their team in the dead of night created quite a sight.
During the South Korean team’s match against Germany for 4th place, a total
of 6.5 million people filled the streets nationwide to cheer on their national
team.
South Koreans supporting the national team in front of Seoul City Hall during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. Many foreigners said that they were deeply impressed by the fans’ enthusiasm and unity. Still, the Red Devils continue to cheer for the national team in major tournaments.
