"Dae-Han-Min-Guk!" Korean Americans Gather in US to Create 'Red Wave'

"As a fellow Korean, isn't it only natural to come out and cheer for Korean football? I came because I wanted to contribute my small strength."

On Thursday, June 11 (local time), Korean Americans wearing red T-shirts began gathering in small groups from midday at Liberty Park in Koreatown, Los Angeles (LA), California.

They took time out of their day to cheer for the South Korean national football team's first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Czech Republic, which was held that evening.

Although they were far from Zapopan, Mexico, where the match was being played, the cheering enthusiasm in LA—home to the largest Korean population outside of Korea—was passionate.

In particular, many children visited the cheering site holding hands with their mothers and fathers, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Although they did not know much about football or Korean yet, they clearly looked excited.

Eleven-year-old Kang Rin, who came to cheer with her father, confidently said, "Of course, I hope (the Korean national team) wins. It would be great if we win 3-2."

Seven-year-old twins Halle and Harvey, who are more comfortable with English than Korean, shyly waved their "Victory Korea" slogans instead of answering when asked by a reporter if they were wishing the Korean team well.

Peter Kim, a resident of Koreatown who came to the cheering site with his friends, smiled and said, "It's only natural for compatriots to cheer for the Korean team."

Some also came out to cheer with their coworkers.

A company representative surnamed Moon said, "K-brands are doing so well these days, and we wanted to feel the power of K-sports. I don't know much about football, but I wanted to experience the heat and excitement of the plaza with my employees."

Ahead of the match, various celebratory performances ranging from traditional fan dances to BTS K-pop cover dances took place. When the familiar cheering chant "Dae-Han-Min-Guk" (Republic of Korea) echoed, the crowd clapped and chanted along.

On both sides of Liberty Park, where the cheering event was held, roads were blocked off for food trucks and face-painting events, adding to the festive atmosphere.


In Northern California, about 100 local Korean residents gathered at the Korean Center in San Francisco to watch the match on a large LED panel and wish for the national team's victory.

Attendees wore red T-shirts reading "We Are Korea" provided by the Korean American Association of the San Francisco Bay Area. Even before the match started, they beat traditional drums and gongs, chanting "Dae-Han-Min-Guk" and singing songs like "Oh, Victory Korea" and "Arirang."

They cheered and clapped whenever the national team went on the attack or took a shot, and booed when Czech players committed fouls, such as pushing Korean players, putting on a passionate cheering show.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.