Olympic Main Stadium. Although this match was a friendly match, it brought important meanings to each national soccer
team. To Korea, because it was the first match after losing two games straight in the U-23(Under the age of 23)
Olympic team division to Japan, this match was important to Korea. To Japan, this match was the turning point to
change the coach. Because the change of Japan national soccer team`s coach, Philippe TROUSSIER, was raised recently.
Chamsil Olympic Main Stadium was full of spectators after a long time and the fever was high. The result was 1-0 and
Korea won the game. It was the first A-match since April 1, 1998. About 2 years has passed since last match and both
teams showed good quality play. I will consider the meaning of the rivalry relation between Korea and Japan with this
match.
It is quite natural to have special attention in the match between Korea and Japan. By living 36 years under Japan`s
colonial rule, we cannot forget in our history, which has made the anti-Japanese feelings. These feelings do not
make a simple soccer match as a simple soccer at all. In addition, it is true that the match between Korea and Japan
is considered as a means to express our hostile attitude to Japan. Another reason that we think the match has a
special meaning is the fear or the sense of crisis. In those days, Japanese soccer was not threatening to Korean
soccer at all. But now, as the result of active investment and growth that has a strong base, Japanese soccer has
become somehow threatening. I think Koreans have put more attachment to the match between Korea and Japan because of
this situation. That is, Koreans can`t accept Korean soccer being pushed around by Japanese soccer thinking the old
days when they took it for granted that Japan almost always lost. For this reason, Koreans have more interest in the
match between Korea and Japan.
I think we need to change our way of thinking about the match we have between Korea and Japan. Of course, it is
difficult for us to remove our anti-Japanese feelings, as a Korean. But at least, these feelings can influence our
angle of vision to see this rivalry in negative ways. If we care to give a special meaning to the game, not the
interest in the soccer itself, we can`t find enjoyment as a soccer game in the game. I mean when people focus on the
anti-Japanese feelings, soccer itself becomes minor. How can we enjoy and understand the soccer game that is based on
emotional thinking?
In the field of soccer, the relationship between Korea and Japan is now on a turning point to new developments. It
means that the two countries are the host countries of `2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan` as a cooperation and
developmental competition. Korea and Japan can obtain important outcomes through their efforts for the successful co
-sponsorship of the World Cup. It is an excellent opportunity to develop both country`s soccer. Incidentally, we can
also enlarge our understanding of each other socially and culturally. When we enjoy soccer, the most interesting
game in the world, we should enjoy soccer itself rather than think of our specific historical situation. Let`s enjoy
soccer itself!
Lee Jae-hun
whatsup@hitel.net