'You can’t get rid of all cars because an accident happened'

The Red Devils, the official supporters club for the Korean national football team, are seeking to organize rallies at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The Red Devils, the official supporters club for the Korean national football team, are seeking to organize rallies at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. On Nov. 19, The Red Devils’ Seoul branch said that they have submitted an application to the Seoul Metropolitan Government to use the square and are waiting for approval.

The KFA previously released a statement saying that it had decided to cancel all street rallies out of respect for the victims of the Itaewon tragedy. But the Red Devils say that they held several meetings and based the decision to hold rallies on the idea that it “is right to give true comfort and express our condolences in our own way.”

The Red Devils added that there was also a burden in reversing a decision that has already been made, and apologized to Korean football fans for causing confusion. “We want to shout the slogan 'Daehanminguk!' in a louder, more sincere voice, in a safer manner while remembering those we lost and providing a source of comfort to everyone.”

If the Red Devils’ request to use Gwanghwamun Square for the street rallies is approved, the rallies will be held during Korean national team games on Nov. 24 and 28 and Dec. 2. Seoul Metropolitan Government will decide on Tuesday to approve the request.

#let_them_cheer “Just because you cheer for the World Cup doesn’t mean your feelings of respect are going away.” “You can’t get rid of all cars just because an accident happened.”

#Itaewon_tragedy_and_Covid19 “The Itaewon tragedy happened just a few weeks ago and Covid-19 cases are rising. We should just cheer at home.” “Let’s cheer for the World Cup safely at home.

#street_rallies_with_more_safety “At times like this, it is important to show that we can cheer in a more orderly manner again.” “It would be fine if those who are participating in the street rallies follow orders and safety rules.”

BY KIM HA-YEONG, LEE JUNG-JOO [lee.jungjoo@joongang.co.kr]