South Korea ended its turbulent World Cup campaign with an exit from the group stage on Saturday, after the results went against them, losing their chance to reach the knockout rounds.
The veteran captain Son Heung-min (33) may have played his last match in the World Cup.
The team, led by Hong Myung-bo, was close to advancing to the Round of 32 before suffering an unexpected loss to South Africa 0-1 on Wednesday.
South Korea finished third in Group A behind Mexico, one of the host countries, and South Africa, after also losing 1-0 to Mexico.
South Korea opened its campaign with a win over the Czech Republic 2-1, but that was the best the team achieved under Hong, amidst criticisms of the coach and a decline in the performance of star Son.
South Korea had hoped to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, the results of the other groups went against their aspirations on Saturday, dashing their hopes and forcing an early exit.
South Korea's participation in the tournament was marred by tensions following a dispute between players and local media, while a drone circled above a crucial training session before the match against Mexico.