Bangladesh Fan Displays Five-Kilometer South Korea Flag in Tribute to National Team

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A die-hard football fan in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district has captured local attention by unfurling a five-kilometer-long South Korean flag, a sprawling tribute to his long-standing devotion to the nation’s football team. Abu Kawsar, a 55-year-old resident of Khalla village in Bancharampur, spent approximately 700,000 taka to construct the massive banner, which now stretches across local roadways.

Kawsar’s affinity for South Korea dates back to 1998, when he moved to the country for work. His passion was cemented during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he watched matches from the stadium stands and became captivated by the performance of South Korean star Ahn Jung-hwan. Even after returning to Bangladesh in 2013, Kawsar has maintained his connection to the country, opening a local restaurant named “Peace Korea Cafe,” where the decor features South Korean motifs, including mugs and plates adorned with the national flag.

This is not the first time Kawsar has staged such a public display of loyalty. He first gained notice during the 2018 World Cup by hanging a one-kilometer flag near Dhaka’s airport. By the 2022 tournament, he had escalated his efforts, spending 500,000 taka to display a four-kilometer flag near his home. This year, he expanded the project by an additional kilometer, funding the entire endeavor through the proceeds of his restaurant business.

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The massive banner now runs from Khalla Bishnupur through Bahadur, culminating in Khalla West Para. The display has drawn crowds from surrounding areas, with neighbors and relatives offering both support and praise for his dedication.

Local residents view the flag as a testament to Kawsar’s enduring emotional ties to the country where he once lived. Neighbor Aminul Islam noted that Kawsar’s attachment to South Korea only grew stronger following his return, adding that the community shares in his enthusiasm and hopes for the team’s success in the upcoming World Cup. Another resident, Nazrul Islam, remarked that the project highlights the deep-seated respect and nostalgia Kawsar still holds for his time abroad.