“Since I decided to take this job, I've been carrying one simple but clear message in my head. And that is to qualify for the World Cup,” said Hong. “We have a few more matches left in this phase, but I think this is a great situation for me to really stay focused. It's the polar opposite from what I faced during my first stint with the national team.

"The two halves weren't that much different, but it is disappointing to have conceded a goal in the second half. But it felt great to be able to win the first of our two away matches this month. We started dominating the opponent from the beginning and scored our first goal early. We executed our plans really well."

"I think our players took their foot off the pedal with the two-goal lead. We were too loose. We've tended to allow goals in situations like that. But we were able to respond and score the third goal, and my players deserve credit for that."

Son, returning after a hamstring injury, played a pivotal role but was substituted after 64 minutes with Hong explaining the importance of his contribution.

“He's such an important part of our team. He just came back after being hobbled by injury. I don't think he was at his very best today, and that's why I replaced him. I will continue to protect him and manage his minutes.”

Despite the setback, Kuwait head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi expressed optimism for the matches ahead.

“The loss is due to the strength of Korea Republic, who are one of the best teams in the world,” said Pizzi. “My team played well in the second half, and if the performance remains at this level, we will achieve positive results in the rest of the matches.”

Kuwait, fifth on three points, meet Jordan on Tuesday while Korea Republic play Palestine.