South Korean World Cup Organizing Committee co-chairman Chung Mong Joon stressed the significance of a visit by Japan's Emperor to South Korea for the opening ceremony of next year's World Cup.
Chung, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday organized by the Korean Press Foundation, said that because the 2002 World Cup will be the first one held in Asia, it will be ideal to have the leaders from tourney cohosts Japan and South Korea at the opening ceremony.
"I understand a visit to Korea by Japan's Emperor is difficult for Japanese people to accept, but FIFA has talked to various (diplomats to sort it out)," said Chung, who also serves as a FIFA vice president, South Korea Football Association president and is a member of the Korean Parliament.
"We hope to have (South Korea president) Kim Dae Jung and the Japanese Emperor together at the opening ceremony. . . . But if the Emperor can not make it, the Japanese Crown Prince or prime minister hopefully can attend. However, the Korean people are very much looking forward to seeing the Emperor," he said.
Asked about countermeasures for terror attacks, Chung said it is important to have good ties and cooperation from the Korean and Japanese governments and to collect all necessary information needed to protect everyone involved in the world Cup.
Chung also said that he has thought about running for the FIFA presidency. However, he hesitated a little when speaking on the issue, saying he might rather stay home since he is getting tired of having a job that demands flying around the globe so much.