Telecom giant KT successfully united thousands of devoted soccer fans at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul for a vibrant public cheering event on Friday. This massive gathering celebrated Team Korea’s victorious 2-1 start against the Czech Republic in their World Cup campaign.
The spirited Korean national team secured its crucial first win in Group A at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, igniting widespread jubilation among supporters who converged in the heart of Seoul.
Organized in a collaborative effort with the Korea Football Association and the passionate Red Devils supporters’ group, the cheering festivities spanned multiple zones within Gwanghwamun Square, including a dedicated playground, pedestrian areas, and Yukjo Plaza. A colossal media wall served as the focal point of the celebration, complemented by a central stage, dynamic cheering platforms, and auxiliary screens for delayed viewing.
KT has maintained its role as the official partner of the Korean national soccer team since 2001, consistently orchestrating diverse initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond between the national squad and its dedicated fanbase.
Demonstrating a long-standing commitment, KT has been instrumental in organizing the iconic Gwanghwamun street cheering events alongside the Red Devils since the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany.
During the 2006 tournament, KT’s commitment shone through with the production of official Red Devils cheering anthems like “Reds Go Together” and “For Victory.” The company also pioneered extensive campus events and nationwide street campaigns, attracting approximately 760,000 participants and solidifying Gwanghwamun cheering events as a signature civic festival in Seoul.
KT proudly continued this tradition through successive tournaments, from Korea’s historic first overseas World Cup round-of-16 appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, all the way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where their focus was ensuring safe and secure cheering environments, even for matches played in the early winter mornings.
This year’s event by KT was specifically designed to maximize public engagement and create an immersive experience. A highlight was the introduction of “Everyone’s Canvas,” an innovative artificial intelligence-powered cheering program prominently displayed on the media wall of KT’s Gwanghwamun West building.
This cutting-edge system leveraged AI technology to detect participants within the square, dynamically generating real-time cheering messages and captivating visual effects. Moreover, the massive media wall also showcased user-created cheering videos and personalized messages submitted by fans in advance, enhancing the collective experience.
Throughout the entirety of the celebration, KT emphasized that public safety remained its paramount concern. Over 250 dedicated personnel, including experienced event staff and vigilant security officers, were strategically deployed across the site. Comprehensive emergency infrastructure, including ambulances and advanced medical systems, was also readily available.
Further reinforcing its commitment to well-being, KT established cooling zones and water stations to ensure comfort, alongside a centralized control room for real-time monitoring of conditions and seamless coordination with relevant authorities.
Kim Dong-hoon, Executive Vice President of KT’s Public Relations Office, reflected on the company’s quarter-century sponsorship of the national team, stating that the most invaluable asset gained has been the enduring connection fostered with fans.
“This meticulously prepared event, a joint effort with the Korea Football Association and the Red Devils, truly bridges the fervent passion of the past with the exciting technologies of the future,” Kim affirmed. “We are fully committed to ensuring that people nationwide can safely and joyously partake in this momentous celebration.”
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