Chung Mong-joon, co-chairman of the Korean organizing committee for the World Cup (KOWOC), expressed Tuesday his hope that the world's premier soccer event will build confidence, trust and friendship among nations, and facilitate future peace and prosperity. Speaking to members of the press from the 32 nations whose teams will take part in this summer's tournament, Chung stressed the 2002 World Cup was not just a sporting event, but a medium to restore a degree of normalcy following the Sept. 11 terrorist attack against the United States and the subsequent war in Afghanistan. The top official for Korea's World Cup organizing body also said that with the eyes of the world focused on the two co-hosts until the end of the games on June 30, the opportunity for Asian soccer to take its place in the world was at hand. He pointed out that Korea, Japan, China and Saudi Arabia are set to compete in the tournament and their successes will reflect positively on Asia.