"Red Devils," cheering in the street, "Republic of Korea," "Go Korea:" these were the "keywords" that have created this legendary World Cup. The Red Devils came together through the Internet in a new gathering of human society, and deserve the greatest credit for this World Cup drama. It was a major even in 21st century cultural history when the shortcomings of the Internet and individualism, was turned into something for everyone together, as was the birth of the Red Devils. The spontaneous energy of young people expressed in street assemblies turned into a festival for the whole country. Everyone felt happy and as one. Ardent wishes were turned into a festive event that became a cultural product of Korea's energy and mature civic rituals for all the world to see.

Hiddink-style maneuver tactics doubled our sense of victory. The tenacity and mental strength shown by Korea's team members in the match against the Italians took the wind out of them, and their fight to the end is a standard that for all of use to pursue in our lives.

Now that we've done far better than we'd set our eyes on, we have the mental space to be able to really enjoy it all now, and hope for more. The Korean team and people are full of the kind of morale that allows them to set their eyes on the rest of the finals. The task before us requires that we maintain limits to the excitement and put this national energy to work.

The government needs to maximize this opportunity to upgrade Korea's standing in the world, on the diplomatic and economic fronts. It should also work on developing the kind of national parties that could fill the void that will remain when the World Cup is over. Through this World Cup the people have learned how to live and enjoy it with confidence. Everyone in politics needs to read the will of the people as expressed through the event and lead the country accordingly.
June 20, 2002