People unite in World Cup, but when it ends what?

Figure skater Kim Yu-na, swimmer Park Tae-hwan and baseball star Lee Seung-yeop all haven`t felt this. Neither have other athletes who played in Olympics or World championship competitions. The whole country cheered shouting "Go Korea" and streets were covered with full of people rooting for Korea`s national football team playing in World Cup. These football players are the only athletes feeling such preferential benefit. The public laugh and cry while they watch Korean players in World Cup and become friends while cheering. This has been possible thanks to World Cup.

Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul on Wednesday early morning were full of people in red T-shirts who watched via electronic display Korean national football team play with Russian team. Many fans came here the previous day and stayed overnight. Normally, these very people would squabble for things ranging from marriage, getting a job and who do this and who do that at national holidays. In normal times, they would argue over issues divided by blood, school and ideological ties. These people gathered, cheered with excitement and returned to daily life after feeling a bit lacking when score tied.

People from every World Cup participating country would pound with excitement. It is no exaggeration to say that the world, except for regions in conflicts, is bewitched. The Brazil World Cup lasts until July 14 and is the biggest topic in the global community. Many important issues will be masked during this period. This will be a golden opportunity for politicians to escape from public attention. They might feel sad that such event comes only every four years.

The bereaved families of the ferry Sewol sinking said they hope the country unites at least in the days as people enjoy the World Cup. Though not as much as in the past, the mood for World Cup is heightening. However, people will likely have to face absent-mindedness when the joyful event is over. It will be too much to expect life to improve during this short period. Politics will remain as it had been. How can we make people live in unity in pride?

Editorial writer Han Ki-heung (eligius@donga.com)