[Monthly TOEFL Essay #1] RED DEVILS

Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.

             

            During 2002 World Cup, all Koreans wore red shirts and became the one. 2002 World Cup means a lot to Korean. They still remember the touching moments they had shout with one voice. Unlike other countries, Korean tradition of cheering is popular for gathering on the streets. The ‘Red Devil’, which is the group of people for the Korean national soccer team, is one of the examples of it. This cheering culture like Red Devils positively influenced Korean society that I’d like foreigners to adopt it. The role of its social reunification, improvement of national image, and positive effects on economy are exactly what those are.

             First of all, cheering does sociocultural role in leading people to spontaneous cooperation and unification. Most nations are separated by the regions, races, ages, or religions. For last 50 years, Korea was also separated by these factors. However, the swift of Red Devil gave Koreans ‘public identity’. I think that the reason why Koreans join together and are enthusiastic about World Cup is that they have a strong community spirit. It works positively in the society, which reduces conflicts between individuals. Gathering people’s energy inspires the harmony and confidence from the individualized and competitive society. This reunifies the society and gives a new breath.

             Secondly, national unification by cheering raises the image of the nation. The image of Korea has naturally been changed by the enthusiasm of World Cup. Through the cheering on the street, ‘the land of morning calm’ has been altered into ‘the land of dynamic and passion.’ Compare to the European cheering in the stadium or their houses, cheering on the streets was not a usual scene. Also, citizens’ order and volunteering after games contributed to enhance Korea’s reputation in the world.

             Thirdly, cheering culture gives positive influence to the nation’s economy. For example, 2002 World Cup greatly heightened added value. It stimulated consumer and business sentiment and created employment. In addition, lots of products were derived from an image of Red Devils, creating a new market. Moreover, as Korea became known as one of the most passionate countries, international trade relation has improved much and a good image has been shown to multinational companies.

             In a brief, Korea cheering culture is the most recommendable custom that other countries should adopt, because it unifies people in the country, improves national image, and brings economic development. The mind, ‘we are the one’, can be the intermediation to develop country and to make better society.