Lebanon Shock
I decided to spend time with Winter during the A-match break period.
Lately, with my packed schedule, I'd spent more time resting at home than going on dates with her.
Next year, she'd be in her senior year of high school and get swamped with studies, so I figured we should stick together as much as possible now.
"So, weekend getaway?"
"Yeah!"
For those reasons, we settled on a trip for the weekend. Weekdays were out because of gymnasium training—no time at all.
Time passed like that. The day after Korea beat the UAE 3-0.
Winter, Mother-in-law, and I headed out to tour Neuschwanstein Castle.
Father-in-law couldn't hide his exasperation upon seeing the photo Winter proudly posted.
The childish father-daughter spat, suffocatingly petty, ended with Mother-in-law's sharp command.
"...Isn't Dad going too far?"
Even after Mother-in-law intervened, Han Gyeowol grumbled about Father-in-law for a while.
"Yeah, Father-in-law's out of line."
"Why are you badmouthing my dad too?"
"...".
What was I supposed to do?
As I sighed with a dumbfounded look, Mother-in-law, who had just parked, spoke up.
"Jinho, as her mom, I give you permission—go ahead and smack her on the head."
At her words, I raised my fist. Winter shielded her crown with both hands, screaming playfully.
"Eek! Hitting's violence! Violence is plenty in bed alrea—"Smack! "Ow!"
"You little brat! No filter in front of your mom!"
I ignored the bickering mother and daughter, quietly gazing out the window. Neuschwanstein Castle was breathtaking.
With smartphones spreading and SNS booming, news from the other side of the world reached the masses at lightning speed.
Online anonymity let raw thoughts spill out unfiltered.
Netizens split, debating fiercely.
Meanwhile.
The Korea vs. Lebanon match loomed.
November 15, 2011.
Today was Korea vs. Lebanon.
I sat down to watch with a tense expression.
Winter and Mother-in-law were already on the sofa.
"Hey Son Jinho, what's your score prediction?"
"One-goal win?"
"Got it. I say two-goal margin. Loser grants winner's wish?"
"...Within reason? Not like last time's Man U Big Ear win."
"What! Why not?!"
I ignored Han Gyeowol and thought inwardly.
But is it okay if we win this?
The Lebanon Shock that happened today was a miraculous game that united Lebanon, scarred by religious strife and civil war aftermath.
If Korea wins, what happens to world peace?
Coach Park Kwang-rae wasn't called the Peace King for nothing. Lebanon's situation was that dire.
No way another civil war breaks out, right?
As I fretted over world peace.
Beep!
The ref's whistle blew—Korea vs. Lebanon kicked off.
Though Brother Blue Dragon was sidelined by injury, Korea vastly outclassed Lebanon, so fans were confident of victory.
Of course, haters showed up on my SNS.
[Shot! Oh! Hits the crossbar! Close for Korea, but the players look light on their feet!]
But from kickoff, something felt off.
[Yes, Lebanese fans firing lasers at players, but stay calm! Play as prepared!]
Crossbar and post hits piled up—no goals.
Lebanon players hit the deck delaying time; Korean faces grew anxious.
Then, 30th minute first half. Lebanon corner—shot deflects off Korean defender's leg into the net.
Lebanon, now ahead, flopped more. Beep!
Final whistle—Lebanon players collapsed in tears of joy.
"...".
Heavy silence blanketed our family sofa.
Whether the world's author intervened or history's inertia restored itself, Korea lost to FIFA 146th-ranked Lebanon.
While furious Koreans raged at the shock defeat, Lebanon erupted in celebrations.
The phenomenon hit 9 o'clock news.
The interim coach replacing Park Kwang-rae earned the glorious "Peace King" moniker.
And from the Lebanon Shock onward, my SNS flooded with "come back" pleas.
It was Winter's beginning.