South Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan — the first time the tournament was held in Asia, and the first co-hosted edition in its history. The Korean national team's run to the semifinal that summer, defeating Spain and Italy along the way amid considerable refereeing controversy, made this among the most politically charged tournaments in the sport's modern history. This coin was struck the year prior in anticipation of that moment.
South Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan — the first time the tournament was held in Asia, and the first co-hosted edition in its history. The Korean national team's run to the semifinal that summer, defeating Spain and Italy along the way amid considerable refereeing controversy, made this among the most politically charged tournaments in the sport's modern history. This coin was struck the year prior in anticipation of that moment.