Thousands of supporters gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Friday to cheer for the South Korea national soccer team against Mexico [1].
The gathering highlights the intense national passion for the North American World Cup and the public's belief in the team's ability to recover from an early deficit.
The match began at 10 a.m. [1]. Despite the early start, the crowd size grew significantly compared to previous matches. The Red Devils, the official cheering squad, estimated that up to 20,000 people would gather at the square, an increase of about 2,000 people over the last game [1].
Early in the second half, Mexico scored the opening goal [1]. However, the atmosphere in Seoul remained electric as fans continued to shout encouragement. The crowd's enthusiasm persisted because the South Korean players maintained a competitive level of play and did not appear overwhelmed by the opposition [1].
"Our national soccer team has been playing the second group stage match of the North American World Cup against Mexico since 10 a.m.," a YTN anchor said [1].
Reporter Cho Kyung-won said that while the team conceded the first goal immediately after the start of the second half, the cheering heat intensified as the players showed they were not being pushed back [1]. The presence of thousands of citizens in the heart of the capital underscores the cultural significance of the tournament for the nation.
Supporters remained in the square, waving flags, and chanting to motivate the squad. The event reflects a broader trend of public mobilization during major international sporting events in South Korea, where city centers often become hubs for collective national identity.
“Up to 20,000 people would gather at the square”
The massive turnout at Gwanghwamun Square, despite an early goal by Mexico, demonstrates the resilience of South Korean football culture. The growth in crowd size suggests that the team's performance in the opening match created positive momentum, turning the public viewing experience into a significant social event that transcends the immediate score of the game.
