"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 for 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 forging a special bond.

Lee Chang-seon (49) Han In (Chairman) met with this newspaper at a Korean restaurant near Guadalajara on the afternoon of the 7th (local time) and said in an interview, "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) explained, "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 continued, "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 a Korean cultural festival held in downtown Guadalajara last weekend. Lee (Chairman) recalled, "Due to the popularity of K-pop, including BTS, and the success of Korean content, many local residents familiar with Korean culture flocked to the event." He added, "The festival venue, up to the fourth floor, was packed with local spectators. As the traditional taekwondo demonstration team and the pungmul (folk percussion) troupe performed, the site was covered with enthusiastic cheers. In particular, 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 kindness 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 shouting slogans when they saw Koreans. Local residents still remember their gratitude for Korean football and are chanting 'Koreanos, Mexicanos (Koreans and Mexicans)'."

Regarding local security, Lee (Chairman) stated that the local Korean association and authorities are establishing and implementing safety measures for 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 thoroughly maintaining internal stadium security while monitoring the stands." He conveyed the atmosphere in Guadalajara.

The approximately 450 Korean residents currently living in Guadalajara are also uniting like never before for this World Cup. Lee (Chairman) announced that they are gathering through group chat rooms, actively sharing not only security and local Mexican information but also support information for the national team and shuttle bus schedules for the stadiums, fostering unity.

Finally, regarding the support plan, 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.