Korean Media News

The celebrity soccer team made up of Korean entertainers called FC Men from Soo Won Blue Wings and the celebrity soccer team made up of Japanese entertainers called FC GEININ held a charity soccer game to help recovery efforts in east Japan, the region severely impacted by the major earthquake last year, at Tokyo National Stadium on April 28, and around 40,000 audience members glowed with enthusiasm while watching the game.

The soccer game was designed to remember the earthquake to mark its one year anniversary. A special performance by Juno (Kim Joon Ho), who is the twin brother of Kim Junsu of JYJ, and the five member group M.E.N led to an enthusiastic atmosphere before the game.

The soccer players from both teams appeared on the field and listened to both countries’ national anthems. The leader of FC MEN, Kim Junsu of JYJ, and actor Yoon Sang Hyun donated 20 million yen to Sakurai, the mayor of the city of Minamisoma in Fukushima Prefecture, which suffered the most severe damage from the major earthquake. Kim Junsu received a letter of appreciation from Nakasone, the former Japanese prime minister and the chairman of the Korea and Japan Collaboration Committee, for helping the revival of the region. Kim Junsu said before the game, “I am glad that I can participate in this meaningful event.” And Yoon Sang Hyun said, “It is my honor to become a coach of the Korean soccer team, and I will definitely lead this game to victory.”


FC MEN gave up the opening goal to the Japanese team, but the first half finished in a tie as the Japanese team scored an own goal. The two teams played a tight game in the second half, and the audience went wild while watching the game. FC MEN led the game with better physical conditioning and it was expected to win the game with the fourth goal by Shin Ki Hyun at the 39th minute of the second half, but the game became tied again as the Japanese team scored one more goal. The game looked likely to be tied, but Kim Junsu scored the fifth goal after receiving a pass from actor Lee Wan right before the game finished. The Korea celebrity soccer team won by a score of 5 to 4.

The 40,000 audience members cheered both teams with loud applause while watching the game. Kim Junsu, who ran the whole game without taking a rest for his fans, said, “I felt pressure as the Japanese team was too strong, but I am glad that we finally won the game. I thank our team members’ great effort.”

In addition, the players of FC MEN including Juno, Lee Wan, and Seo Ji Seok ran around the field and presented soccer balls to the audience who rooted for the two teams.



Source: KBS World