President Kim Dae-jung on Monday stressed the importance of the pan-national participation in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup finals which will start May 31 next year.

Kim said while visiting the Korea Worldcup Organizing Committee that participation by the people, among other things, is a must
for the success of the Cup finals.

He said...to that end, the government, the committee and World Cup cities should map out ways to make the Cup final a pan-national festival.

The president said...the international sporting event will have enormous ripple effects not only on sports but on the economy, culture, diplomacy and other sectors in general.

He said...the nation should make use of the international event as an opportunity to make an economic stride, enhance the nation's image and integrate national power.