One House, Two Flags: How a Korean-Mexican Couple Is Preparing for Korea vs. Mexico
Korea vs Mexico World Cup fever is creating a friendly rivalry inside one Los Angeles household ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
For Sungbin Joo Vargas, 32, and his wife, Jacqueline Joo Vargas, 30, the June 18 group-stage showdown between South Korea and Mexico is more than just a World Cup match — it’s a family affair.
The couple plans to attend a large public watch party at Seoul International Park in Koreatown, where thousands of fans are expected to gather.
But while they’ll be standing side by side, they won’t be cheering for the same team. Sungbin will proudly wear South Korea’s iconic red jersey, while Jacqueline will be dressed in Mexico’s green colors.
Love Wins, No Matter the Score
Despite the competitive spirit, neither spouse expects the match to create any real tension.
“Of course I want Mexico to win,” Jacqueline said with a laugh. “But honestly, whoever wins, our family wins.”
The match carries extra meaning because it will be the first time the couple has found themselves supporting opposite sides in a major international tournament.
Sungbin agrees. “If Mexico scores, it’ll hurt a little inside,” he joked. “But I would never show it in front of my wife. If Mexico wins, I’ll happily celebrate with her.”
A Soccer Gift for Her Korean Father-in-Law
Jacqueline’s passion for soccer extends beyond game day.
During a recent trip to Mexico, she purchased gifts not only for herself but also for her Korean in-laws.
She said she bought a South Korea national team jersey and supporter’s scarf for her father-in-law, knowing how much he loves soccer.
That father-in-law is Boo Kwon Joo, owner of the popular Koreatown restaurant Hyung Jae Galbi.
Known among local Korean Americans as a devoted soccer fan, Joo even decorated part of his restaurant with a large soccer-themed mural.
Military Service Brought Them Together
The couple’s story began in 2019 while both were serving in the U.S. military.
Sungbin, a Korean American who immigrated to the United States at age seven, met Jacqueline during military training in Georgia.
“I approached her first,” he recalled. “Thankfully, she seemed interested in me too.”
After training, they were assigned to different bases in Texas and Kansas, forcing them into a year-long long-distance relationship.
Not wanting to remain apart, they decided to marry.
Military regulations allowed married service members to be assigned closer together, and the couple officially registered their marriage before later holding a formal wedding ceremony in South Korea after leaving military service in 2024.
More Similar Than Different
Although they come from different cultural backgrounds, the couple says Korean and Mexican cultures share more similarities than many people realize.
Family, they say, sits at the center of both traditions.
Their dinner table reflects that blend.
Some nights feature kimchi stew and kimbap. Other nights bring tacos and enchiladas. Occasionally, both cuisines appear on the same plate.
“When we make tacos at home, we sometimes add Korean seasonings and spicy flavors,” Jacqueline said. “Korean and Mexican food actually work together surprisingly well because both cultures enjoy bold, spicy tastes.”
As the Korea vs Mexico World Cup matchup approaches, the couple knows only one thing for certain: one side will celebrate, the other will suffer a little heartbreak.
But when the final whistle blows, they’ll still be cheering together.
