Chile memories: soccer led the way to healing in 1962

Though their soccer team didn't make it to the World Cup finals this year, Chileans want to remind Koreans that soccer remains a major force in Chile. And Chile has put that reminder right in the middle of Seoul.

When pictures of the Chile-staged 1962 World Cup were brought to the Chilean Embassy two months ago, the Chilean ambassador, Fernando Schmidt, decided that it was an opportunity for his country and Korea to share the World Cup spirit. Together with Chilean companies, Mr. Schmidt organized a photo show at the Ilmin Museum of Art in Gwanghwamun.

The title of the exhibition, "For We Have Nothing, We Want Everything," was the slogan of the 1962 World Cup. After Chile suffered a devastating earthquake in 1960, the soccer fete was instrumental in healing the country's psychic wounds.

On May 30, 1962, the World Cup kicked off at the National Stadium in Santiago with Chile's 3-2 win over Switzerland. Images from that game and others make up the 38 black-and-white photographs on display.

At the opening reception May 24, Mr. Schmidt said, "Despite the imperfect quality of the pictures, the exhibition is witness to a moment of glory for Chilean soccer, and the show indicates that Chile and Korea are more than just commercial partners."

The exhibition runs to June 9. For more information, call the Ilmin Museum of Art at 02-2020-2061.

by Inēs Cho