U.S. draw a trial for Korean prisoners

Updated: Monday June 10, 2002 07:47 a.m. ET

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YEOJU, South Korea (Reuters) -- South Korea's most modern prison allowed 2,000 inmates to share in World Cup fever by watching live coverage of the 1-1 draw against the United States on Monday.

Although confined to their cells, prisoners, some with team-colour red headbands, erupted when South Korea attacked and lapsed into despair when Clint Mathis put the U.S. team ahead in the 24th minute.

"It is unbelievable I can see this match live on television," 57-year-old inmate Lee K.D. told Reuters at the Yeoju prison 60 km (40 miles) east of the capital Seoul. "I really hope our team can reach the final 16 this time."

Officials asked that prisoners' full names not be given.

The Justice Ministry decided to allow all 60,000 prisoners at the country's 40 jails to watch major World Cup matches, particularly those involving co-hosts South Korea.

"South Korea is co-hosting the world's biggest festival. They (prisoners) are also Koreans and they deserve to enjoy the festival like other Korean people," prison governor Kim Yang-taek told Reuters.

All prisoners finished their duties an hour and a half before the kick-off to be ready to watch the South Korea-U.S. match in their cells, each of which accommodates five to six people.

"Some say we are giving too much freedom and this could undermine discipline," said governor Kim.

"But we believe this sort of freedom will reduce the stress of people here who have to live in a confined area all the time."

Some prisoners decorated their faces with newspaper pictures of Guus Hiddink, the Dutch-born team coach. They put their heads in their hands in exasperation when the U.S. team went ahead.

"It's OK. We still have enough time to score two goals," one prisoner said.

Prison officials said this was not the first time prisoners had been allowed to watch live television matches.

"But this is the first time we changed our daily schedules to let them enjoy something special," warden Kim said.

Prison blocks echoed to roars when South Korean substitute Ahn Jung-hwan equalised in the 79th minute.

"It's ironic that those people who may be most deprived of the country's benefits have become such ardent patriots," one senior prison officer said.

"I think it would have been better for them to enjoy this kind of game outside this prison."

Copyright 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

 

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