Koo Ja-cheol Reunites with Keisuke Honda 14 Years After 'Sapporo Disaster' in 'Legendary Korea-Japan Match'

Koo Ja-cheol, who experienced the painful memory of the 'Sapporo disaster,' has reunited with Keisuke Honda, the player who was part of that match, after 14 years.

The SBS variety show 'Gol Ddaerineun Nuhdeul - Legendary Korea-Japan Match,' aired on the afternoon of the 3rd, featured legendary players representing South Korea and Japan clashing on the field. Park Ji-sung and Hidetoshi Nakata provided commentary, adding depth to the broadcast.

The South Korean team boasted formidable players including Lee Young-pyo, Seol Ki-hyeon, Lee Dong-gook, Lee Keun-ho, Park Joo-ho, Koo Ja-cheol, and Kim Young-kwang. Japan countered with 'Korea-Japan killer' Keisuke Honda, Yoichiro Kakitani, and Masakiyo Maezono, among others.

Ahead of the match, Park Ji-sung shared his thoughts on the first Korea-Japan clash in 14 years, stating, "A Korea-Japan match has a special meaning in football, so I want to feel that tension and I'm looking forward to how the game will unfold." Seol Ki-hyeon also recalled the intense atmosphere, saying, "Even now, a Korea-Japan match causes a stir, but back then, it was truly something else."

Koo Ja-cheol specifically reminisced about the 3-0 loss to Japan on August 10, 2011, at Sapporo Stadium, visibly conveying the devastating emotions of that time. Keisuke Honda commented, "Matches against Korea were always serious. I think the media sometimes portrays our relationship negatively."

Now, 14 years later, these two players have met again through the 'Legendary Korea-Japan Match.' All eyes are on whether Koo Ja-cheol can achieve redemption against Keisuke Honda for the 'Sapporo disaster.'

Netizens reacted enthusiastically, with comments like "Is Koo Ja-cheol finally getting revenge?", "Keisuke Honda, it's been so long", and "I'm looking forward to seeing the legends play." Many mentioned the 2011 Sapporo disaster.