[August 2012] DBSK Song of the Month

This is my article for TVXQWorld this month. ^^

DBSK Song of the Month: Fighting Spirit of the East

It’s the Olympic season again, and this year, the 2012 Summer Olympics took place in London. We have seen the grandeur of the opening ceremonies, and with over 200 countries participating in the spirit of sportsmanship in the Games, it’s indeed the biggest sporting event in history. So, with the Olympic fever in full swing, TVXQWorld ushers in this historic event with a special issue dedicated to sports.

Speaking of sports, for this issue, I have chosen one DBSK song which showcases unity and sportsmanship of the Korean people in the 2006 World Cup. Yes, you got it right, the DBSK Song of the Month is “Fighting Spirit of the East”. 

“Fighting Spirit of the East” was the Korean anthem during the 2006 World Cup Tournament, and honestly speaking, even if I am not a Korean, I actually got goosebumps when I first listened to the song.
 

The chorus goes like~

“I believe that, with you, our cheers
Will work miracles once more,
That the world will be ours once again
Please show us our rising flame,
The fighting spirit that, with our lasting love, does not give in,
So that it may ring throughout the world.”

Koreans are known to be extremely nationalistic, and with their stint at the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, it has given them the confidence to excel in the field of sports. According to news, the Korean Republic is the most successful Asian football team in the history of the FIFA World Cup having participated in eight World Cup tournaments, which is the most appearances for an Asian country. Even though they didn’t make it to the finals, they were then considered as the most successful World Cup nation in Asia. Park Ji Sung, who is undisputedly the most popular South Korean soccer player became more famous when he made it to England’s Manchester United.

I remember watching Team Korea in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, and I was awed by the unity that they exemplified during their matches. People shouted “Daehanminguk!!!” which means “Go Korea!”, painted their faces red, and waved the South Korean flag as a sign of support to the Korean soccer team.

The song has a very strong nationalistic feel, and with the addition of background choral voices, it became more majestic to the ears. DBSK’s voices blend so well together, aside from the fact that they sang it with so much pride.  The last chorus made my hair stand, literally because everyone just screamed “Korea!!!” at the end.

In the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, I really believe that gaming events such as the Olympics and the World Cup teaches us to give our 100 percent in everything we do, we should be a good sport, whether we win or lose.