The Red Devils, the cheering club of the national soccer team, on Nov. 24 gather at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District to cheer for Korea in its opening Group H game at this year's Qatar World Cup. They shouted "Republic of Korea" and wished for victory by the Taegeuk Warriors.

By Kim Hyelin
Photos = Jeon Han
Video = Lee Jun Young

"Passion at another level."

That is how Kim Da-jeong, 25, excitedly described her first experience attending street rallies to cheer Korea in this year's World Cup soccer finals in Qatar.

Police estimated about 26,000 members of the Red Devils, a cheering club for the national team, gathered on Nov. 24 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to support Korea in its first Group H game against Uruguay in the tournament.

People started gathering five hours before the game at 5 p.m. in cheering areas divided into five sections for safety reasons. A video message expressing condolences over the Itaewon incident was shown, followed by a performance under the theme "Consolation and Remembrance" as crowds awaited the game.

The enthusiastic Red Devils came out in the hope that the Taegeuk Warriors could repeat their success seen at the 2002 World Cup, brushing off the cold of early winter weather. 

Masses of soccer fans on Nov. 24 gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to watch Korea's opening group game in the Qatar World Cup. Shown is a group showing surprise after Uruguayan player Diego Godin narrowly misses a goal by hitting the left goal post.

The estimated 26,000 Red Devils, who cheered louder and showed more excitement than those attending the game at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, expressed surprise and disappointment as the game progressed.

National team captain Son Heung-min fell when fouled by Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres 11 minutes into the second half, causing alarm among fans. The Red Devils expressed concern after seeing Son's torn socks but he was not injured and stayed in the game. This gave the fans strength to holler his name even louder.

Dina Amalia from Indonesia, who was among the crowds that watched the scoreless draw, said, "I've lived in Korea for two years but this is my first time to see people this excited," adding, "I hope the Korean team puts up a good fight in upcoming games at Doha by receiving the heated energy of Seoul."

Police officers on Sejongdae-ro Street in Seoul help people return home safely after Korea's opening game in the Qatar World Cup against Uruguay ended in a scoreless draw.

Mauricio Davila from Chile, who cheered for the Korean team throughout the game, said, "It was my first time to cheer on the streets and it was so much fun," adding, "(Despite the massive crowds at the square), my impression was that the people were more orderly than I had thought."

With safety being the top priority, a safety inspection team comprising staff from local governments, police and firefighters conducted thorough checks before the cheering began. During the game, about 1,200 safety personnel including SWAT members and medics guided fan movements and prepared for emergencies.