The South Korean men’s national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, is set to face Bolivia in a friendly match on the evening of the 14th at Daejeon World Cup Stadium. This matchup comes after a disappointing attendance of only 22,206 spectators at their previous game against Paraguay at Seoul World Cup Stadium, raising concerns about fan engagement for the upcoming fixture in Daejeon, which marks the first A-match held outside the capital in over two years.
Despite being a Friday night match, which typically draws crowds, the clash against Bolivia kicks off at 8 PM, and worries about the chilly weather potentially affecting attendance lingered. The ongoing criticism directed towards both the Korea Football Association and Coach Hong has compounded these concerns. However, the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, with a capacity of 40,000, welcomed over 30,000 fans by kickoff—an attendance that was not disastrous, yet still underwhelming.
The atmosphere in the stadium was notably subdued, with even the support from key players like Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Jae-sung failing to ignite enthusiasm. Despite the significant turnout, the sound of cheering was quieter than at previous matches. Critics have previously highlighted the need for fresh anthems and support strategies, which became more apparent during this match when only select sections of the crowd engaged in vocal support.
Chants such as “Korea!” and “Oh, victory Korea!” were heard sporadically from the supporters’ section, but overall stadium noise remained low. Fans who initiated vocal support found themselves echoing through the stands for brief moments, particularly when opportunities for attacks arose, yet the effects were fleeting. Efforts like displaying a decibel reading on the scoreboard attempted to boost enthusiasm, but results were temporary.
It is evident that a reevaluation of how to engage fans and unify support is urgently needed. Developing new chants and innovative methods to promote collective cheering can help energize future matches. As the team continues to prepare, there is hope that fresh strategies can inspire fans and foster a more vibrant atmosphere at the stadium.