Global Community`s Attention Centers on South Korea…

The draw to decide the groups for the FIFA World Cup 2002, which is to be staged at the Busan Exhibition Convention Center (BEXCO) on December 1st, will captivate more than 1 billion people from all over the world.

The KOWOC said yesterday that "this event will be broadcasted alive to 50 countries, attended by 3,500 leaders of the world soccer organizations, and the domestic and foreign press corps."

Therefore, the KOWOC plans to use this event as a perfect opportunity for `the sales of South Korea` by preparing for performance programs during the draw, unlike other FIFA events in history.

The official World Cup theme music, composed by Vangelis from Greece, will be performed for the first time by the Busan and Woolsan City Choirs, and the official World Cup composition called `Boom`, composed by Glen Ballad, will be sung by the U.S. pop singer Anastasia. After these events, Korean party will be staged.

Soprano singer Hong Hae-Kyung, who is a prima donna of the Metropolitan Opera, will sing `Juliet`s waltz` with the `Romeo and Juliet`. In terms of the traditional Korean arts, changgu dance called `Beautiful Korea`, choreographed by Kim Baek-Bong, will be featured. Celebrated singer Cho Sang-Hyun will sing a part of the `composition of ship` in Chim Chung-ga, and a pop singer Yoo Seong-Jun will sing his hit song.

Information center, which is scheduled to open today, will host people with various facilities including Baek Nam-Joon`s art video `Glory of World Cup`, traditional Korean art chamber, and robotic soccer games.

The procedure of the draw to decided the groups for the FIFA World Cup finals and people who draw lots will be finalized at the FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, which is to be held today in Busan.

Pele, Johan Cruyff, Hong Myong-Bo, and Ihara are among 12 people who will cast the draw to decide the groups, but the other seven people have not been veiled yet.

In terms of the seed allotment, France, South Korea, and Japan have received the first seed in A group, D group, and H group, respectively. Brazil, Argentina, Italia, German, and England are fighting for the top seed in 5 other groups. As some argue for the allotment of seed by continent, a tight negotiation is being repeated until the last moment.

Jong-Koo Yang swon@donga.com