Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flakfizer]

This is from the Korea Herald:



With World Cup fever sweeping across the globe, "Daehanminkuk" is becoming a unique, yet universal cheer for Korea. We now hear foreigners who cannot speak a word of Korean joining our Red Devils, shouting out "Daehanminkuk!" Perhaps we should claim intellectual property rights or, even better, endow a cultural heritage status to our proud mantra before it becomes a commercial one. After all, such a creative intangible cultural asset that calls forth international renown should not go unrecognized.It is the passion of the Koreans that makes the four syllables "Daehanminkuk" a de facto national cheer for the World Cup games. The cheering phrase first entered our ears only four years ago and the people who came up with it during the 2002 games probably had no idea that it would cause such a sensation. Yet it is being repeated over and over by the whole population of Korea watching the 2006 World Cup. With fancy, colorful customs designed after the Taegeukgi (the Korean flag) as their theme, the phrase "Daehanminkuk" is emerging as a rich and unique cheer to bolster the national style.

Like the hallyu - the Korean culture wave that is gripping Asia with a fearful speed - the Korean-style cheer is catching on even in Europe and America. Indeed, the excitement that our impressive cheering performances bring would tempt anyone to join in, shouting "Daehanminkuk!" Moreover, the use of the phrase "Daehanminkuk" is now no longer limited to soccer matches. It has become an expression of enthusiasm and excitement for all happy and joyful occasions by all Koreans regardless of their age and background.

It is with pride that we watch our country assuming a top spot among the nations taking part in the World Cup. Considering our war-torn history and our past status as an international burden, we truly have achieved great strides over the last half century. Though much work still needs to be done in inter-Korean relations and to attain political stability within the nation, with the passion that we shout "Daehanminkuk" we can overcome any obstacle and prevail as a leading country in the twenty-first century.

Let's look at the youth of Korea as they shout out "Pilseung (victory), Korea!" They are not a group whom the older generations worry about and hesitate to trust. They are a dynamic generation with a love for their nation and in their hands we have the future of Korea. Our prospect for the future will be bright when they, with the opportunities and encouragement that we give, soar and spread their wings to embrace the future.



Lee Kyung-woo is the secretary general of 2014 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee. - Ed.


By Lee Kyung-woo



I like this line: "Perhaps we should claim intellectual property rights or, even better, endow a cultural heritage status to our proud mantra before it becomes a commercial one."

I haven't seen a commercial that DOESN'T use this chant in the past several weeks.

Also this: "Moreover, the use of the phrase "Daehanminkuk" is now no longer limited to soccer matches. It has become an expression of enthusiasm and excitement for all happy and joyful occasions"

Oh, too true, too true.

[Guri Guy]

If they could bag that load of crap they could ship it to North Korea. I hear they need fertilizer.

[jajdude]

[Free World]

[Alan_Partridge]

[magicwolfman]

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[kermo]

Didn't someone try to copyright "Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!"?

[rothkowitz]

I expect such tish-tosh from the Korea Herald.

[seoulkitchen]

Ugh! Reading that 'thing' from the Hearald made me lose me lunch and say

"Kuknimnahead!"

Ahhhh, I feel better now.....

[billybrobby]

I agree with the man. Did you know that the inventor of the USA! USA! cheer died broke and homeless? Not a penny went to his family.

Personally, when I'm hit with a wave of joy, I like to exclaim "Democratic Republic of Congo!"

[Smee]

[Troll_Bait]

flakfizer:

Thanks for that article. It was hilarious!

It reminds me of the Iraqi Minister of Information. Remember that guy? He held a press conference outside because American troops had kicked him out of his own building.

"The Americans are nowhere near us! Not even close!"

I feel sorry for the author of that article.

Either he was forced to write that drivel, or he lives in a world in which the rain falls upwards from the pavement.

[stumptown]

Why was my post deleted? All I said was that that article reminded me of the stupid Hana Bank commercial that makes it look like foreigners all over the world are cheering for Korea. Was that so offensive?

[flakfizer]