The official supporters’ squad of the Korean National football team, the Red Devils, are already exploring every avenue to make sure that they can get the flag into the arena. The four-team Carlsberg Cup tournament in Hong Kong provided an opportunity for a test run, and the fan club says it is ready to do everything else necessary so the Taegukgi is displayed to maximum effect at the World Cup.

Last time round, in 2002, that presented no problem because the event took place on home turf, but this time there are a number of logistical hurdles.

The Devils say they will take responsibility for all safety issues and hope they can get permission if they enlist the support of the national team.

“We had a number of dry runs to make sure we’re able to carry the flag,” one member now in Hong Kong said. “We took pictures and asked for permission from the governing body” of the Carlsberg Cup to carry it into the venue.

He expressed hope that the Red Devils will be allowed to do the same in Germany if they go through the same process with German officials. The plan is to unfurl the flag to the sound of the national anthem at the opening.

The flag used in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup measured 60 m by 40 m and weighed 1.5 tons. For this year, a flag one-third of that size will be more realistic.

The decision won’t be made till mid-February, but it will be 20 m long at most. “We wanted to make it larger, but we weren’t able to,” he said.

Four years ago, more than 10,000 fans took part in unfolding the flag. This time, members have secured only 5,000 seats.

But even the smaller flag will be unwieldy and transport is a major headache for the Devils.

The plan is to take it onboard the chartered plane the club will be traveling on.

That requires support from the airline, since flammable chemicals are used in the making of the flag, and carriers do not take fire hazards lightly.

If the airline can’t be persuaded, the group will look at sending the flag by train or ship.

(englishnews@chosun.com )