The World Cup of June 2002 was even more significant in that it elevated Korean society and the nation's consciousness to a positive level in a short period of time. Now we must not allow ourselves to become complacent with the achievements of Korean football and our passionate culture of cheering, but instead pool together our common wisdom to learn the lessons and carry on the message of the event.

The main players of the "World Cup phenomenon" have been the "Red Devils" and the young people they're now calling the "W Generation." It was they who drew Korean flags on their faces and wore them on their bodies as they ran out into the streets, openly expressing themselves and enjoying the festivities. Nowhere in their faces could be seen the defeatism or coldness of the past, or the wounded han of older generations. They have shown that they seek individuality, and at the same time have a mature respect for the tastes of others, as well as cultural sensitivity.

We need to read the social change that the emergence of this generation means, for it is a 21st century phenomenon, part of an era of no control. Unlike the generations that lived for industrialization and democratization, their consciousness is not about negation, but about affirmation, and they pursue happiness instead of endurance. The World Cup awoke them to pride in the Republic of Korea, gave them the space to let go of their passion, and the excitement spread to the whole of the populace. The spontaneity and orderliness they displayed was a picture of mature civility that surprised the world. No one knew the latent strength of Koreans and our national energy would be this great.

The important question is how to put this "World Cup energy" to creative use. One worries that the politicians will try to use this pure national energy to their personal advantage, and that intellectual-types will feed us their self-tailored interpretations. Business should be encouraged to use the country’s improved national image, but the government should not go about scheduling events that try to take all the credit, nor for that matter should anyone pretend the fruit of the whole World Cup belongs to them.

Another fine result of the World Cup has been the importation of "Hiddink-style" management strategies and philosophy. There is much for Korean politics and society to learn from eradicating "connection-ism," from choosing athletes based on ability, and from the Hikkink-style tactics that produced "multi-players" and "power football."

One worries that this national energy might go cold as soon as the World Cup comes to a final close. Instead of making a big deal of it all, there needs to be a way to preserve the purity of what we've seen. Those in politics will have to read this mature civic consciousness and explosive desire and do politics accordingly.
June 27, 2002