The South Korean national soccer team achieved a thrilling comeback victory in their opening match of Group A at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, igniting a wave of red enthusiasm in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square.
On June 12, KT collaborated with the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the Red Devils to host a street cheering event. As the early summer sun shone down, soccer fans clad in red shirts began to gather in Gwanghwamun Square. However, disappointment filled the air when the team conceded an early goal to the Czech Republic as the second half began.
But the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Hwang In-beom scored an equalizer, followed by Oh Hyun-kyu's exhilarating go-ahead goal, causing Gwanghwamun Square to erupt in celebration. With the national team defeating the Czech Republic 2-1, marking their first World Cup win in 12 years and their first opening match victory in 16 years, fans embraced each other and cheered joyously.
One fan expressed, "Cheering together in Gwanghwamun brings back the romance and excitement of 2002," unable to contain their excitement.
Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, KT has led street cheering efforts with the Red Devils, and this year, they introduced more interactive content for fans. KT broadcast the match live on a massive media wall at their Gwanghwamun WEST headquarters. An AI system recognized the crowd in real-time, enhancing the experience with vibrant visual effects and personalized cheering messages displayed on the screen.
Fan-created cheering reels and mobile messages filled the media wall, fostering an interactive cheering atmosphere. A pop-up exhibition at the Gwanghwamun KT Onmaru showcased the history of KT and Korean soccer support, attracting many visitors.
According to on-site estimates, around 14,000 people attended. To prevent crowd-related incidents, KT strategically placed the main stage, cheering platform, large media wall, and delay screens across Gwanghwamun Square and Yukjo Square, ensuring clear sightlines and smooth movement for attendees.
More than 250 safety personnel were deployed for crowd management, security, traffic control, and medical assistance. Facilities to combat the early summer heat and an emergency medical system were also activated. KT's integrated situation room monitored the event in real-time in coordination with relevant agencies.
A KT representative stated, "We plan to continue supporting live broadcasts on the large media wall in Gwanghwamun Square and street viewing events in line with the national team's remaining group stage schedule, fully backing South Korea's journey toward the Round of 16."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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