World Cup bond between Korea, Mexico moves beyond pitch as fans plan 'Gangnam Style' dance parties

Following a viral video taken in Guadalajara, Mexico, of Korean fans dancing to "Gangnam Style" (2012) while being cheered on by spectators in Mexican kits, Korean and Mexican football fans are planning dance parties ahead of the World Cup match between the two countries on Thursday. 

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People dance to Psy’s “Gangnam Style” (2012) during a K-pop flash mob at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Sept. 21, 2012.

Korean and Mexican football fans are set to unite for a “Gangnam Style” (2012) dance party at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday during the World Cup match between the two countries. 

Fans are planning to hold the event at public locations as well, where supporters from either country can gather to also watch the match, according to the Spanish-language media outlet Infobae on Tuesday.

Korea and Mexico will battle for the top spot in Group A when they face off in their second World Cup match. 

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The idea for the dance party sprang organically from social media.  

Over the past several days, videos of Korean tourists — football fans visiting Guadalajara for the World Cup — exploring the city and enjoying birria tacos and tequila have attracted significant attention on Mexican social media.

One post in particular went viral. The video, taken at a professional wrestling venue on Thursday, shows Korean fans dancing to “Gangnam Style” while fellow spectators in Mexican kits applaud them.

“[Singer Psy’s] ‘horse dance,’ which imitates the act of riding a horse and swinging a lasso, has already transcended language, borders and generations,” Infobae said. “Widely regarded as one of the most iconic choreographies in the world, [the horse dance] has become a new symbol of friendship between the two countries in Guadalajara, where the World Cup is taking place.”

Singer Psy, center, performs “Gangnam Style” (2012) during the C-Festival K-pop Concert in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on May 8, 2016.

The friendly bond between Korean and Mexican football enthusiasts dates back to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Korea defeated the defending champion Germany 2-0 in its final group-stage match in Kazan, Russia. That same day, Mexico lost 3-0 to Sweden but still advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to Korea’s victory.

Immediately after the match, Mexican fans gathered outside the Korean Embassy and celebrated by chanting, “Coreano hermano, ya eres Mexicano,” which translates to “Korean brother, you are now Mexican.”


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BY HAN YOUNG-HYE [[email protected]]

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

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