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More fans expected in K-town for Algeria game

June 19, 2014

Fans look on during the Korea-Russia match on June 17 at Wilshire Park Plaza. (Park Sang-hyuk / The Korea Times)

Fans look on during the Korea-Russia match on June 17 on the front lawn of Wilshire Park Place. (Park Sang-hyuk / The Korea Times)

As Korea’s second World Cup match approaches, fans are again looking to cheer on the national team from Koreatown in Los Angeles.

The Sunday game against Algeria is a crucial one for the Koreans as they look to advance to the round of 16. After a 1-1 tie with Russia on Tuesday, the team’s score against Algeria may determine, even with a standoff with Belgium still ahead, whether Korea will go on or go home.

Fans are ready.

“I didn’t know time was passing while I spent the whole day talking about the World Cup with my co-workers,” said a Koreatown worker identified only as Kim, 44. “I’ve been watching it on TV at work, but I’m planning on going out to a viewing party Sunday to feel the atmosphere of the World Cup for myself.”

The Red Tigers, a group of 1.5- and second-generation Korean Americans, are holding viewing events inside Tom’s Urban at L.A. Live for Korea’s games.

Jerry Won, president of the Red Tigers, said he expects bigger crowds for viewing spots around town on Sunday, as working people and whole families will be able to join in.

More viewing party locations around the city for Sunday’s game include the lawn at Wilshire Park Place, Madang Plaza Shopping Mall, Koreatown Plaza and Koreatown Galleria.

Korea’s match with Algeria kicks off at noon PT in Porto Alegre.