The World Cup Journey Ends for Korea Republic
The world’s most popular sport, FIFA World Cup once again attracted an astronomical number of viewers worldwide (Summer Olympics and Super Bowl are no match).
June 23, 2006, Korea Republic team gave their all and played their best against their opponent Switzerland. Despite the disappointing calls by the referee (after all, FIFA president is from Switzerland), Korea Republic played well and the incredible number of Korean attendees in the Hanover stadium proved a powerful spirit and enthusiasm in the Korean population.
The best part of the World Cup is and always will be the fans. For the past three matches, Koreans all over the world put on a bright red shirt, drove to one of many gatherings to cheer amongst a great number of Koreans. In Koreatown alone, three hot spots were available to watch the live match.
The Staple Center was leased for few hours and the stadium was not big enough to accomodate the Korean residents of Koreatown, Los Angeles. The alternative to the Staple Center was the Wilshire Park next to the Aroma Center Plaza, sponsored by Radio Korea, the Wilshire Park boasted a large screen posted high above the ground. Hosts and hostess were gladly passing out the popular Red Devil shirts, bandanas, and caps (I couldn’t even get one as it quickly ran out). Another hot spot was in the Arthur park (where the annual “Jang Tuh” takes place), also in Koreatown in Olympic Blvd.
Being in those hot spots along with thousands of enthusiastic Koreans were a surreal experience. I bet even the shyest, grumpiest, pessimistiest, emo-est, and banana group of people would jump up and down and shout from the bottom pit of their lungs when the Korea Republic team scores a point! Heck, if there were enough ground space around me, I would have been hopping as if I’m reaching for the stars. Just experiencing in such environment where joy and thrill was unescapable was a once-in-a-four year moment. I’m hoping in 2010, I will be watching the World Cup with my wife and my first son in the comfort of my own home. 