Rivalry in sports competitions between Korea and Japan

During WWⅡ, Japan conducted numerous atrocities against Korea. Japan has never formally apologized for those crimes against Korea. let alone compensate the victims. Plus, the two nations are currently bogged down in a territorial dispute over the Dokdo islets. Due to those reasons, the rivalry with Japan in international sporting events runs deep in our veins. Such rivalry hits its peak in team sports such as soccer or baseball. The most recent event was the World Baseball Classic back in March. Korean were fired up when we faced Japan several times. Tournaments against Japan are a matter of national pride for most Koreans. Hence, when Korea goes head-to-head with Japan in any type of sport, the whole country fanatically roots for the national team.

# Source: EBS, The Republic of Korea