Remember? That crazy “Dae~~~~han Min-guk!” shouting?
Better get ready because it will set to echo across LA again!
It’s official — and it’s going to be big.
For many Korean-American residents who lived in Southern California and near Koreatown in 2002, the memories remain vivid. Even those who weren’t physically present can still picture the sea of red through countless news reports and photographs.
Yes! The World Cup!
Just hearing the name still tightens fists and raises our voices.
Back then, children and adults alike flooded the streets dressed in red. The chants of “Dae~han Min-guk!” were so loud and relentless that many people lost their voices for days. The passion reached such heights that Staples Center — now Crypto.com Arena — opened its doors free of charge for the third-place match against Turkey. Photos from that historic viewing event still hang at the arena’s entrance.
It wasn’t just about soccer.
For many Korean Americans, the cheers carried something deeper — longing for their homeland, pride in their heritage, hope, and collective resilience. The red-clad gatherings were more than fan celebrations; they were powerful displays of identity and unity. Observers from other communities often expressed admiration, noting the strength and cohesion of the Korean-American community.
For second-generation children, it was perhaps the most meaningful form of cultural education imaginable.
And now, in June 2026, that energy is preparing to rise again.
Korean-American Coalition Launches 2026 World Cup LA Preparation Committee.
A coalition of 16 major Korean-American organizations has officially formed the “2026 World Cup LA Korean Preparation Committee” to organize large-scale outdoor viewing parties and cheering events throughout the tournament.
The committee held its inauguration ceremony on March 4 at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles. Led by five key executive organizations — including the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) and the LA Korean Chamber of Commerce — the group has already secured significant funding and support from the Consulate to deliver what organizers describe as a “world-class fan experience.”
The joint cheering events will coincide with South Korea’s group-stage matches:
Match 1 — June 11, 7:00 PM (vs. South Africa)
Location: Liberty Park (Wilshire Grass Plaza), near Wilshire Blvd. and Serrano Ave.
A massive screen will be installed to accommodate an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 fans. A portion of Serrano Avenue will be closed to allow space for food trucks and corporate sponsor booths.
Match 2 — June 18 (vs. Mexico)
Location: Irolo Street, between San Marino St. and Olympic Blvd., near Seoul International Park
This event will be a joint celebration with the Hispanic community, featuring designated seating sections for both fan bases and high-definition LED trailer screens.
Match 3 — June 24, 6:00 PM (vs. South Africa)
The festivities will return to Liberty Park under the same format as the opening match.
Under the slogan “United LA, United REDS!(하나 된 LA, 하나 된 REDS)”, organizers aim to promote unity, pride, and belonging across the Korean-American community and beyond.
The red wave of 2002 was more than a sports celebration — it was a defining moment for a diaspora community asserting its identity and unity in a foreign land.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Korean Americans in Los Angeles are preparing once again to gather, cheer, and make history together.
[Kyeongjun Kim Contributed to this story]
