Korean expatriates in Britain are preparing to provide support for South Korean athletes participating in the 2012 London Olympic Games that kick off this Friday.

The expats will provide Korean food to the South Korean Olympic squad and organize several cheerleading groups.

South Korea’s unique approach to cheerleading, which developed during the 2002 World Cup jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, is now one of the nation’s cultural icons that is famous around the world.

Korean expatriates in Britain expect South Korea to further grow its status on the international stage if it prevails in the Olympic Games amid the growing popularity of Korean pop culture known as the Korean Wave or “hallyu.”

Fascinated by Korean food and culture, some British people have volunteered to root for South Korean athletes. They have even practiced Korean cheerleading chants and plan to cheer for the Korean athletes.