K리그 사상 첫 무관중 개막…해외 축구팬들 '관심집중'
South Korea's pro football season kicked off on Friday.
Stands were still empty due to COVID-19, but many people around the world were still able to enjoy the game as the opening match was broadcast live across the globe.
Our Jang Tae-hyun reports.
South Korea's professional football league officially kicked off Friday and grabbed the attention of fans from all around the globe.
It's the first country that played in the 2018 World Cup to start football games after the coronavirus shutdown.
The game was live-streamed worldwide on YouTube and Twitter, and almost 3-point-2 million people watched it on Twitter in just 15 hours.
The BBC also live-streamed the game and 36 countries have bought broadcast rights to the season, including Germany, Australia and Hong Kong.
"My family and friends watched the game. Even Portugal has called to buy the broadcast rights of K League. I think this became a great opportunity to introduce K League all over the world."
He added that other countries were curious how South Korea could proceed with the games amid the coronavirus pandemic... and that players felt an increased sense of responsibility.
"It was awkward to play in a place where there are no fans. But, I am thankful and happy to play and show how much I've prepared and trained for the game."
Hopefully, this will be a chance to let people know about Korea's football league and gather more fans from all over the world.
Jang Tae-hyun, Arirang News
