By Joo So-hyun, The Herald Business
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in North America, South Korea's ruling and opposition parties spoke with one voice Friday in cheering on the national team.
Park Ji-hye, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a written briefing that the party "wholeheartedly cheers alongside the people for the great challenge of the South Korean national football team at the North America World Cup."
"Today, the South Korean national football team begins its great journey toward the quarterfinals — the first time in history at an away World Cup — starting with the match against the Czech Republic," Park said. "We trust in the capabilities our players have built through years of hard work, and in their unity as one team."
She added that she hoped the players would "perform at their best without injury," saying, "We wish the Taeguk Warriors glory in victory as they compete with pride on the pitch, and we will cheer alongside the people at this moment when a new chapter in South Korean football begins."
Park Sung-hoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, also issued a statement of support. "We cheer for a united South Korea and for the national team's journey with no regrets," he said, offering "sincere encouragement and applause to the players and coaching staff who have quietly poured their sweat into preparation for this stage, in places unseen, for so long."
Park Sung-hoon said the players' fair and spirited competition on the pitch "will deliver new hope, inspiration and courage to a people worn out from many recent hardships," adding that he expected the team to "demonstrate South Korea's strength to the world by showing the true spirit of fair play."
He also expressed hope that the team would "play a match with no regrets, so that all the sweat and effort poured in can bear precious fruit," and said the party would "send passionate cheers alongside the people for the national team's great challenge."
addressh@heraldcorp.com
