"The reason Mexico loves Korea so much..." The World Cup atmosphere is 'boiling' Han In (Chairman) reveals the secret [Guadalajara IN]

*This content was translated by AI.

The local scene in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the 2026 World Cup matches will be held, is filled with a welcoming atmosphere toward the South Korean national team. Although they are competing opponents in the group stage, Mexicans who are grateful to Korean football warmly welcome Koreans and are maintaining a special bond.

Lee Chang-seon (49) Han In (Chairman) told this newspaper in an interview at a Korean restaurant near Guadalajara on the afternoon of the 7th (local time), "Since the South Korean national team arrived in Guadalajara, the local football fever has noticeably intensified." He added, "People are gathering around the team's hotel and training camp, and on-site videos taken by them are being quickly shared via social networking services (SNS), raising local interest in Korean football."

Especially, the gaze of local Mexican media toward Korea is interesting. Lee (Chairman) said, "Recently, an announcer on a local broadcast made a friendly joke about Korean football, saying, 'Korea is like a mother figure that we have never been able to defeat.'" He explained, "In fact, Mexico has not won against Korea in recent head-to-head matches, and this memory has acted as a source of intimacy, creating an atmosphere that welcomes Korea even more warmly."

This friendly atmosphere was fully reflected at the Korean cultural festival held in downtown Guadalajara last weekend. Lee (Chairman) recalled, "Due to the popularity of K-pop groups like BTS and the success of Korean content, many local residents familiar with Korean culture flocked to the event. The festival venue, up to the fourth floor, was packed with local spectators. As the traditional taekwondo demonstration team and the pungmul (folk music and dance) troupe performed with lively rhythms, the scene was covered with enthusiastic cheers. Especially, locals participated in the pungmul team's performance with the enthusiasm of supporters, enjoying it together."

There is a historical background to why Mexicans are so favorable toward Korea. Lee (Chairman) added, "This goodwill from Mexicans stems from the memory of the final group stage match of the 2018 Russia World Cup, when South Korea defeated Germany 2-0, dramatically advancing Mexico to the Round of 16." He noted, "At that time, it became a major topic in local Mexico, with trucks full of beer sent to Korean companies as a sign of gratitude, and people performing the 'Hwanghae' cheer when they saw Koreans. Local residents still remember their gratitude toward Korean football and are shouting 'Koreanos, Mexicanos (Koreans and Mexicans)'."

Regarding local security, Lee (Chairman) stated that the local Korean community and authorities are establishing and implementing safety measures in anticipation of the World Cup. Lee (Chairman) said, "Currently, police and military personnel are patrolling three times more than usual in the hotel areas of Guadalajara, along the athletes' travel routes, and near the stadiums. FIFA security personnel are also strictly maintaining internal stadium security while monitoring the stands." He conveyed the atmosphere within Guadalajara.

The approximately 450 Korean residents currently living in Guadalajara are also coming together as one for the first time in a while, taking advantage of this World Cup. Lee (Chairman) announced that they are uniting by actively sharing information on security and local Mexican conditions, as well as support information for the national team and shuttle bus schedules for the stadiums, through group chat rooms.

Finally, regarding support plans, Lee (Chairman) said, "For the first match against Mexico, about 70 members of the Korean community in Guadalajara are planning to head to the stadium for a live viewing." He added, "Additionally, Koreans who find it difficult to watch live at the venue plan to gather at restaurants operated by Koreans for a large-scale group viewing to support the Taegeuk Warriors."

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*This content was translated by AI.