2002 World Cup Kicks Off

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 31, 2002

2002 World Cup Kicks Off

South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung declared the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan finals open in Seoul Friday. It's the first time for Asian countries to hold the world's most glittering football event.

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2002 World Cup Opens

South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung declared the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan finals open in Seoul Friday. The 2002 World Cup can be distinguished from previous events as it marks both the first time in the World Cup history that it is held in Asia and co-hosted by two nations.

Millions of fans around the world were glued to their TV screens to hear Joseph S. Blatter, the newly re-elected president of FIFA, world soccer's governing body, the president of the South Korean organizing committee, Chung Mong-Joon, and South Korean President Kim Dae-jung deliver their opening addresses.

"Now, aspiring for a new era of peace and harmony for all people, I declare the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan Open," President Kim announced.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter expressed his strong belief in the success of the World Cup.

"The 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, a sports festival of the global village has opened its curtain to the world in the Seoul World Cup Stadium," said the 66-year-old Swiss, who beat African soccer chief Issa Hayatou to win a second term for the FIFA presidency.

"We believe that through the spirit of mutual cooperation and steady preparation the two countries will ensure that the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan proves to be the most splendid and perfect event ever," said Blatter.

Along with thousands of excited fans, leaders from dozens of countries attended the grand opening ceremony, including Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi.

"As we witness the opening of the 2002 World Cup, on behalf of the Japanese people, I would like to express, together with President Kim Dae-jung, a warm welcome everyone from every corner of the world," he said.

"Over the forthcoming thirty-one days, I hope that the emotion and excitement of the football games bring everyone together, regardless of country, language, or religion."

"From the East"

The 2002 World Cup, the event the whole world has been waiting for 4 years, started with a festive opening ceremony. The ceremony, titled "From the East", conveyed the message of "communication" and "unity" to the world.

Thousands of performers in flowing robes beat drums to express sincere welcome of foreigners from all over the world.

Communication

Children set sail toy boats and the rolling of drums to express the hope for communication. Specially-designed drums conveyed the beauty of a world in which channels of dialogue are free-flowing. The barriers to communication were then broken down and a giant drum signals the start of a new era in talking and listening in the global village. The new era would be ushered in by technological advances such as IMT-2000 and high-tech digital technology. The performance encouraged participation by the audience and provided spectacular sights. The combination of drums and digital technology symbolized the past and present, and a better future of peace and harmony.

Harmony

From around the stadium, cloths of unity were transferred by the hands of the audience to the grounds. Once on the playing field, the cloths from a sea of unity, on which symbol of peace were drawn upon. In the middle of this sea of unity, a peace bell was raised. Each time the bell tolls, its vibrations rang louder. Images by world-renowned video artist Paik Nam-june were shown on the LCD panels on the side of the bell.

Sharing

Children of the world came together to sing for world peace. They were then joined by all the performers of the opening ceremony.

Children of different nationalities expressed their hope for a future world of communication. Pop artist Anastasia then performed the official song of the World Cup and under the bright lights of fireworks, the curtains came down on the closing ceremony.

The first match, between France, the defending champions, and Senegal will kick off at 7:40 pm local time.

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World Cup Opening Ceremony to Promote Communication and Unity

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