SOUTH KOREA

THEY ARE:
The positive side of Korea, the ones playing in red (which is strange considering the communist connotations of their poor relations/neighbours). Unlike their neighbours they are quite an Americanized nation.

AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
They are regular qualifiers for World Cups and in 2002 they made a fine job of co-hosting the event with Japan. Amazingly they made it to the semi finals of the 2002 tournament disposing of both Italy and Spain along the way. Eventually they went out to Germany and finished fourth in the tournament but they were a genuine breath of fresh air that you tend to hope will happen each year. The feat was a once in a lifetime achievement.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
South Korea is one of those cuddly footballing nations that it is fun to root for and in 2002 you began to wonder when the joke was going to end. Again this year I am likely to be on their side whenever they play.

IN 2010:
Situated in Group B they have the much fancied Argentina to deal with but elsewhere in the group they stand more than a fighting against Nigeria and Greece who are a couple of inconsistent teams to say the least.

FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Their current captain Park Ji-Sung is an understated star at Manchester United, a player it seems almost impossible to dislike.

MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
These days it seems to be great horror movies. At one time it was eating dogs.

AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
South Korea tends to be the West’s favourite Asian nation after Japan. Amazing movies such as Oldboy, Sympathy For Lady Vengeance and The Host make South Korea seem a very exciting, interesting and vibrant place to be.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM SOUTH KOREA THAT I KNOW:
Just over two years ago I found myself working with a lady from South Korea as part of our team. She was a fierce lady that appeared to hate me which was a shame because I had a lot of time for her. Additionally a year or so before that I once went on a date with a Korean lady called Jay who claimed to be a distant relative of Sun from Lost. Currently I have a friend called Swapna who is out in South Korea teaching English and having an amazing time.

QUOTE FROM A SOUTH KOREAN:
Not coming.

DO I LIKE THEM:
Yes I do.

FINAL COMMENT:
This one is for Margaret Cho and Lee Young Ae.