Published：Jun 8, 04:42Last updated：Jun 19, 16:00

South Korea's World Cup Fever Ignites Global Fan Celebrations

Jun. 8, 2026 04:42

The Korea Football Association will organize outdoor cheering events for South Korea's World Cup matches. The events will be held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. South Korea faces Czechia, Mexico, and South Africa in Group A. The KFA will set up screens and a stage for fans. The initiative recalls the 2002 World Cup's outdoor cheering tradition.

Summarized

11News

6Media

Jun. 19, 2026 08:25

South Korea's World Cup excitement contrasts with JTBC's financial woes after defaulting on loans due to expensive broadcasting rights. Fans celebrated in Seoul during a match against Mexico on June 19, 2026. The broadcaster's struggles highlight the risks of high-stakes sports investments. The event drew massive crowds.

Jun. 19, 2026 16:00

Korea's World Cup broadcaster JTBC is in financial trouble due to poor viewership and failed distribution deals. Despite Korea's strong performance in the tournament, the broadcaster's exclusive rights have become a financial burden.

The 2026 World Cup has sparked nationwide enthusiasm in South Korea, with massive public cheering events organized at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square. The Korea Football Association led the initiative, setting up large screens and stages for fans to support their national team during group stage matches against Czechia, Mexico, and South Africa. Yonhap News Agency+2

🌍 Global Fan Gatherings

Korean communities worldwide joined the celebrations, with watch parties organized across U.S. cities including Seattle's Mural Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, and New York. These events combined football screenings with K-pop performances, creating cultural festivals. In Beijing, over 300 expatriates gathered at the POSCO Center auditorium for an embassy-organized viewing party. The Korea Times+2

🏟️ Seoul's Electric Atmosphere

Gwanghwamun Square became the epicenter of celebrations, drawing 16,000 fans for Korea's opener against Czechia. The June 12th event saw office workers joining during lunch breaks, while subsequent matches created brunch-like atmospheres with fans in red attire enjoying coffee and pastries. Safety measures and public transport advisories were implemented for the large crowds. Yonhap News Agency+2

📺 Broadcasting Struggles

While fan enthusiasm soared, broadcaster JTBC faced financial difficulties due to expensive World Cup rights and poor viewership. The company's struggles contrasted sharply with the successful public viewing events, highlighting the risks of high-stakes sports investments despite Korea's strong tournament performance. Nikkei Asia+1

JTBCPOSCO CenterGwanghwamun SquareMural AmphitheatreKorea Football Association