[From the scene]

Thousands of Korean football fans could not hide their enthusiasm as they flooded the streets nationwide to cheer for their team in the first Group F match against Sweden that began at 9 p.m. Monday.

(Shot and edited by Park Ju-young / The Korea Herald)
Lee Sung-wan, 36, could not hide his excitement as he carried his two 3-year-old children dressed up in soccer uniforms in front of Seoul City Hall.

“I could not miss out on this historic event. This is my children’s first World Cup and I think this will be a great experience,” said Lee. 

Throngs of football enthusiasts carried the Korean flag. Small groups chanted “Daehanminguk” (Republic of Korea), while others broke into the cheer “Oh, pilseung Korea!” (Oh, victorious Korea). 


“Cheering altogether as a nation is what makes this all meaningful,” said Jo Do-kyu, 38, dressed completely in red. “I am a major football fan. I know we have a huge gap in terms of skills but I hope we can win!”

Jo believes that the Korean team will be able create a sensation once again and make it to the quarterfinals.

The crowd went wild when Son Heung-min, the promising Tottenham forward, appeared on the 500-inch screen showing his determination to win.

Football’s popularity soared in Korea after the nation co-hosted the World Cup with Japan in 2002.


The next match will be on June 23 at midnight against Mexico and then against Germany at 11 p.m. on June 27.

By Chyung Eun-ju and Yim Hyun-su
(ejchyung@heraldcorp.com) (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)