Los Angeles’ Koreatown was filled with a mix of Mexican and South Korean flags and fans wearing their respective team jerseys as the two countries clashed in the World Cup.

A Symbol of Brotherhood

The multiethnic neighborhood, where the Mexican and Korean diasporas have co-existed for decades, uniquely symbolizes the brotherly love between the two countries. The area is home to a blend of cultures, with Mexican vendors selling their goods in front of shops with Korean signs.

Despite initial language and cultural barriers, the Korean and Mexican communities have learned from each other and formed a strong bond, particularly in the city’s food scene. The critically acclaimed Oaxacan restaurant, Guelaguetza, located in Koreatown, is a prime example of this connection.

Some fans at the restaurant expressed their hope for a tie, with one fan saying, ‘(Korea and Mexico have) been family. It doesn’t matter who wins, we will root for each other.’ The restaurant’s building itself celebrates the connection between the two cultures, with Korean rooflines and bright orange exterior walls.

A Shared History

The connection between the two communities reached a new level during the 2018 World Cup, when South Korea’s victory over Germany allowed Mexico to advance to the next round. This led to an outpouring of gratitude from Mexican fans, who took to social media to thank the Korean team and call them ‘hermanos,’ or brothers.

For some, the game is a chance to celebrate the cultural intersection of Los Angeles. As one fan put it, ‘If you look around (in Koreatown), you see a blend of both (cultures), an assimilation of both. It’s really cool.’ The World Cup has brought joy and positivity to the community, and the bond between the Korean and Mexican communities in Koreatown is stronger than ever.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.