Korea Republic went into Russia 2018 with one of the most exciting young attacking line-ups from among Asia's representatives but with the knowledge of sharing a group with defending champions Germany, expectations of replicating the heroics of 2002 and 2010 were somewhat muted.
Back-to-back disappointing defeats to Sweden and Mexico seemed to fulfil pessimistic pre-match predictions, but an historic and exhilarating 2-0 win over the Germans that eliminated the holders saw the Taeguk Warriors leave Russia with their heads held high.
Having not won the AFC Asian Cup since 1960, Korea will look to build off their incredible 2018 World Cup climax and take that spirit and performance into UAE 2019.
World Cup Summary
Coach Shin Tae-yong oversaw a mixed series of results in the build-up to Russia 2018, with various formations, playing styles and players utilised, an inconsistency that showed in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sweden in the Group F opener.
Another underwhelming performance against Mexico, albeit with a stunning consolation goal from Son Heung-min, saw Korea entering their final tie at the World Cup on the brink of bowing out without a point.
The 2014 champions Germany needed a convincing win to secure their own place in the knockout stage but came up against a human wall in the form of a superb rearguard action by the Koreans, with goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo in particular shining.
Denied time-and-time again by the stalwart Korean backline, Germany threw caution to the wind and were caught out at the back as both Kim Young-gwon and Son scored in injury time to record a famous victory for Korea and for Asia.
Aftermath
The Korea Football Association announced at the beginning of July they will interview candidates for the head coach role of the national side. Incumbent Korea coach Shin will be included among the applicants, but will need to compete with the other interested parties to keep his position.
Top Prospect for AC2019
Hellas Verona forward Lee Seung-woo will turn 21 the day before Korea kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2019 opener against the Philippines and there is every chance the prodigious young talent could be in the first XI when the teams step onto the field in Dubai.
Lee Seung-woo was not quite able to break into the starting 11 at Russia 2018, but in his cameos off the bench showed enough glimpses of his ability to suggest there is more to come from the La Masia graduate.
Named in Korea Republic's 2018 Asian Games squad, the tournament in Indonesia will be another chance for the youngster to impress ahead of the autumn build-up to UAE 2019.
What Comes Next?
The 2018 Asian Games comes hot on the heels of the World Cup and several players from the senior side will take the field once more including Son, Cho Hyun-woo, Lee , Kim Min-jae and Hwang Hee-chan.
After the conclusion of the Asian Games, Korea will face Costa Rica and Chile in international friendly matches on September 7 and September 11 as they build up to the Asian Cup.
