"Even If We Didn't Make the Quarterfinals, Well-Fought Game!"... Lessons on Order Left After the Itaewon Disaster

Failure to Advance to Round of 8 Draws 'Sighs' Everywhere... "Still, Well Done!"

On the 6th, after the Round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil in the 2022 Qatar World Cup ended, citizens participating in the street cheering event set up at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are consoling their disappointment. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy reporters Jang Sehee and Oh Gyumin] The South Korean national soccer team lost 4-1 to Brazil, but citizens who gathered for street cheering encouraged the team, saying "They lost but fought well." The four street cheering events held so far ended safely without any accidents this time as well.

On the 6th, 17,000 citizens gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul sighed and expressed their regrets after the team failed to advance to the quarterfinals.

At around 6 a.m., university student Lee Donghwan (26), who participated in the street cheering at Gwanghwamun Square, said, "All the players did well, but luck did not favor us in the early stages of the game," adding, "I think they couldn't show their true ability because they were mentally affected."

Im Boa (33) said, "Brazil was a strong favorite to win, so they were a tough opponent," and added, "Everyone worked hard, and it's fortunate that the street cheering ended without any accidents." Office worker Park Shinhyung (28) also said, "The game was held early in the morning, so the work start time was delayed to 12 p.m.," adding, "Although the result is disappointing, I do not regret coming to cheer." He added, "They lost but fought well."

There were also citizens who regretted the cancellation of the first-ever Korea-Japan match in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. If Japan had advanced to the quarterfinals and South Korea had upset Brazil, the first Korea-Japan match would have been possible.

Kim Minjun (24) said, "I was very hopeful that the Korea-Japan match would happen, but our skills were insufficient to beat the strongest team Brazil."

On the 6th, citizens participating in the street cheering event set up at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are watching the Round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

As soon as the clock struck 12 a.m., crowds gathered at Gwanghwamun... When Baek Seungho scored, "Daehanminguk!"

Citizens, concerned about the inconvenience of using public transportation in the early morning hours, began gathering at Gwanghwamun Square around 12 a.m. By 12:30 a.m., the area around the large screen at the front was fully packed, and private security guards guided citizens to other areas. They cheered for South Korea while warming their hands in hats and scarves.

Office worker Choi Heea (25) said, "I finished work late and came early to Gwanghwamun to get a good spot," adding, "Having guides and police around made me feel safe." Lee Sohee (22), who came with a friend, said, "I also came to cheer at Gwanghwamun during the Portugal match," adding, "Although there were concerns about crowd accidents, it was less crowded than expected, and since we could sit, we just had to endure the cold." Kim Jinseok (36) said, "I took a day off to cheer on the street with friends," adding, "We took many photos for proof."

At 1 a.m., the Red Devils shouted cheering slogans, heating up the atmosphere. When the Red Devils chanted "Let's go to the finals," the crowd responded with "Yeah!"

When Brazil scored 4 goals in the first half, some citizens left their spots. When Baek Seungho scored at the 30th minute of the second half, the atmosphere peaked with cheers of "Oh, it's done," and "Daehanminguk!"

On the 6th, after the round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil in the 2022 Qatar World Cup ended, citizens in Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul, moved according to the guidance of safety personnel and police following street cheering./Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

After the game ended, Gwanghwamun Square was cleaned up neatly within about 20 minutes. After the Brazil match street cheering, citizens took their trash with them as they left.

On that day, the police, fire department, and Seoul city officials stayed on site throughout the game to maintain order. The police deployed 65 regular officers, 6 riot police units totaling about 380 personnel, and 20 special forces at Gwanghwamun Square. Additionally, 45 officers each were dispatched to Incheon and Suwon for safety management. A police official said, "We divided the cheering area into five zones with fences to thoroughly manage the crowd," adding, "Firefighting personnel and ambulances were also on standby." Seoul city also operated a comprehensive control room to ensure the safe operation of the street cheering events.

Meanwhile, around 6 a.m., the morning rush hour, congestion near subway stations was not severe. Police were stationed at Gwanghwamun Station and Gyeongbokgung Station to monitor crowd safety. Around 6 a.m., 7 to 8 police officers stood in front of exits 7 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station to maintain order and provide guidance. The police advised, "The subway is currently operating, so you can safely go down," and cautioned, "Be careful as it is slippery, so go down slowly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.