South Korea Wants to Relive the Historic 2002 World Cup Moment

South Korea heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying both memories and inspiration from the greatest achievement in their national Football history. Head coach Hong Myung-bo hopes that same spirit which carried the Taegeuk Warriors all the way to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup will once again drive his squad through this year's tournament.

Hong himself was one of South Korea's key players during that 2002 World Cup run. He intends to use that historic 2002 success as the core motivation for his current national team squad.

For Hong, the journey behind that landmark 2002 achievement holds critical lessons for how a team can rise through difficult periods and emerge as a respected, formidable force in the sport.

Hong explained that before South Korea's extraordinary 2002 campaign, the nation had gone through a tough slump for their national football program through the mid-1990s.

As co-hosts alongside Japan for that tournament, South Korea shocked the entire football world by eliminating multiple powerhouse nations on their run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

During that tournament, South Korea defeated Italy in the Round of 16, before knocking out Spain in the Quarter Finals. This historic run made them the very first Asian nation ever to reach the World Cup semi-final stage.

"At the end of it all, being able to bring that much joy to our entire country was an incredible, unforgettable achievement," Hong stated.

The former South Korea National Team defender assessed that the 2002 success had forged an unmatched sense of unity in his country's sporting history.

"The 2002 World Cup brought our whole nation together. That is exactly what made it so special. I am deeply proud that I got to be part of that as a player," he added.

Now, over two decades on from that historic moment, Hong stands on the touchline as the team's head coach. He hopes this new generation of South Korean players will also write their own remarkable story at the 2026 World Cup.

That said, Hong does not want his players to feel crushed under public expectations. The 57-year-old coach also emphasised that his squad should truly enjoy their experience at the World Cup.

"I spend far more time talking with them about what we will need to do going forward, and the challenges that lie ahead for us," Hong said.

South Korea's first test will begin in the group stage. They have been drawn into Group A alongside tournament hosts Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.

South Korea will field a mix of experienced veteran players and rising young talent, which the team hopes will allow them to compete against the top national sides in the world.