'Three consecutive defeats against Japan': South Korea loses 0-1 to Japan… Hong Myung-bo's first loss since taking charge.

South Korean football failed to overcome the wall of Japan. There were significant disappointments in the match content, and statistically, it suffered the humiliation of its first-ever three consecutive defeats against Japan.

The South Korean national football team lost 0-1 to Japan in the third match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) held at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 15th. The goal conceded in the 8th minute of the first half to Ryo Jermain was the decisive blow that decided the match.

With this loss, South Korea finished the tournament with 2 wins and 1 loss, claiming second place, while Hong Myung-bo recorded his first loss after 13 matches in charge (8 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss).

This loss marked South Korea's third consecutive defeat in official matches against Japan. Under coach Paulo Bento, South Korea suffered back-to-back 0-3 losses in the Yokohama friendly (2021) and the Nagoya East Asian Cup (2022). Additionally, this is the first time South Korea has suffered three consecutive defeats against Japan. The attempt to win the championship, six years since the 2019 East Asian Cup (1-0 victory), has also failed.

Japan topped the tournament with three wins in three matches. South Korea still leads with a historic record of 42 wins, 23 draws, and 17 losses, but in the last 10 matches, it has fallen behind Japan with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses.

Hong Myung-bo deployed a select team primarily composed of domestic players as anticipated. Veteran striker Joo Min-kyu (Daejeon) was the lone forward, supported on the flanks by Na Sang-ho (Machida) and Lee Dong-kyung (Gimcheon). In midfield, Seo Min-woo (Gangwon) and Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk) were stationed, and the three-man defensive line consisted of Kim Joo-sung (Seoul), Park Jin-seob (Jeonbuk), and Park Seung-wook (Pohang). The goalkeeping gloves were worn by 'temporary captain' Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan).

In the 7th minute of the first half, South Korea experienced the misfortune of Na Sang-ho's right-footed ground shot hitting the post. Just a minute later, Japan's counterattack was fierce. Daisei Miyashiro delivered a cross from the left, which Jermain connected with a left-footed volley to score the opening goal. South Korea, having conceded a goal early on, struggled to execute smooth attacking plays and lost control due to Japan's strong pressure.

At the beginning of the second half, Hong Myung-bo replaced Joo Min-kyu with Lee Ho-jae (Pohang) to initiate a change. South Korea increased its possession but failed to create decisive chances. In the 19th minute of the second half, Moon Seon-min (Seoul) was substituted in, but Japan responded with a structured defensive strategy.

Towards the end of the second half, South Korea made a total offensive move by bringing in Oh Se-hoon (Machida), Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk), and Jung Seung-won (Seoul). However, in the 39th minute of the second half, Lee Ho-jae's bicycle kick in the penalty box was saved by the Japanese goalkeeper, squandering the opportunity to equalize.

Ultimately, South Korea finished the match without scoring a single goal. Japan maintained its one-goal lead to achieve a perfect victory, while South Korea had to settle for second place.

At the time when coach Bento was leading, overseas players like Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) were included. They suffered a humiliating defeat, conceding three goals in matches held in Yokohama and Nagoya.

However, this tournament mostly featured K League players. Japan also primarily fielded players from its domestic league. However, many players active in top-tier teams were absent. It is clear that there needs to be a reevaluation of the performances of K League players.

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