Saturday, December 1, 2007

2002 World Cup

2002 World Cup was one of the most unforgettable events in Korea. It displayed strong nationalism. People wore red shirt and gathered to support our team. Before 2002, we never have won that far. There was an excitement all over the country. People who didn’t have the ticket to World Cup gathered around a place where TV was available. City Hall was very crowded with people who wore red uniform. Whenever our team scored, people shared their happiness and excitement with others whom they barely knew. Whenever our team lost, we consoled each other. It was a great moment when Koreans united stronger once again.

Also, this event was remarkable on women’s participation on the sport. Unlike female students in USA, female students in Korea did not play sports actively. Therefore, they did have neither strong interests nor knowledge in sports. As 2002 World cup made an impact in Korea, women also started to show their interest in sports. Women gradually gained interest in sports. Soccer players became more famous, and all of them have been loved by massive female fans, just like the way most famous celebrities are treated.

2002 World Cup also developed Korean economy. Almost every single person bought red soccer uniform. So many products that symbolized team support were introduced and sold during the World Cup. It was a good source to advertise Korea. World Cup 2002 made huge positive changes in Korea.

2 comments:

naotaka said...

sorry that I posted here because i could not post on Blog. i dont know why but as soon as i find out, i will delete this and post on blog.

YMCA
after I have read the article" Japanese YMCA Cultural IMperialism in Korea and Manchuria after the Russo- Japanese War" by jon Davidann, I just found some interesting points for me as Japaneses I guess. during 1880s or 90s, people thought chiristans were western culture for Japanese and some people did not want it. I think people in Samurai position are the ones who didnt want but according to the article, many who had converted to chiristianity were former samurai.
and also on pg 255, " Japanese Chiristians set forth to missonize Korea and Manchuria" this is interesting to me because I have seen so many Korean Christians but not Japanese here.

Young Men's Christian Association,YMCA is a nonprofit organization but it was used as a tool of getting control in Korea. For example, Koreans used YMCA to agitate for Korean independent. I guess that is because member of YMCA came from elite yangban.

eileenjeon said...

When it was the 2002 World Cup, I was in Toronto, Canada with a group of friends. We happened to go to KoreaTown the day after Korea had just won against Japan. For all you could see it was bright red. People were in the cars, honking their horns while also yelling at top of their lungs to the "Daehan Minguk" chant. It was utter chaos. But in a good way. I think so because Korean people really began to show their love and pride for their nation. I really think "defeating" Japan in this simple soccer game helped to this nationalism too.