The Red Devils, a fan club for the national soccer team, and others on the morning of June 12 cheer while watching Korea's opening game of the FIFA World Cup against Czechia (Czech Republic) on massive screens at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Park Dae Jin)

By Hong Angie

"Republic of Korea! Republic of Korea! Republic of Korea!"

The cheers of the Red Devils, the official fan group of the national soccer team, on the morning of June 12 filled Gwanghwamun Square again in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

Both Koreans and foreign tourists began gathering there from early morning ahead of the country's game in Mexico against Czechia (Czech Republic) in their Group A opener of the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Just before the whistle blew to begin the match, the Red Devils waved the national flag in the middle of the square, cheering for victory of the Taegeuk Warriors. As a tense back-and-forth game unfolded early on, their eyes filled with tension while watching giant screens on the media wall of KT Gwanghwamun Building West.

The crowds waved their towels in sync with the beat of drums as if in a stadium. Keen tactical commentaries poured out on every subtle movement by the players, as if armchair coaches from all over the country had flooded into Gwanghwamun Square.

Red Devils on the morning of June 12 are dressed in colorful outfits as they watch Korea play its FIFA World Cup opener against Czechia (Czech Republic). (Hong Angie)

A surprising shot by Korea in the first half grazed the Czech goalkeeper’s hands and narrowly missed the goalpost, eliciting gasps of disappointment through the venue. Though Korea dominated the game in both possession and shots on goal, the first half ended scoreless.

The Czechs made a sharp counterattack in the second half and took the lead after Radislav Krejci headed into goal a throw-in from Vladimir Coufal. The score drew a mix of deep sighs and cries of disappointment from fans.

The letdown did not last long, however, as the much-awaited tying goal instantly drew loud cheers. Striker Hwang In-beom's score in the 67th minute caused hugs and cheers among fans.

Red Devils on June 12 cheer at a public viewing of Korea's FIFA World Cup opener against Czechia (Czech Republic) on massive screens at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Hong Angie)

The second half also saw tense moments. When Adam Hlozek won a free kick on the left side for Czechia, a sudden tension gripped the Red Devils. Teammate Tomas Soucek headed the kick into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside, eliciting a sigh of relief and louder cheers from fans.

Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu rode the momentum by taking a pass from Hwang to blast in the game winner in the 80th minute from the center of the penalty box, instantly putting the square into a frenzy of celebration. Fans linked arms with strangers and sang the team's anthem at the top of their lungs.

Still basking in the win, the crowds lingered in the square in sharing the afterglow of the victory with others as Korea won its opening group game for the first in 16 years. The red-hot atmosphere at Gwanghwamun Square is expected to continue right up to the next match.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young (center with white bracelets) on June 12 celebrates with the Red Devil crowds at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District as Korea beat Czechia (Czech Republic), 2-1, in their opening Group A game of the FIFA World Cup in North America. (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)