Under manager Jürgen Klinsmann, South Korea were considered among the pre-tournament favourites.[1] After winning their opening match against Bahrain, the team failed to win their remaining two group stage matches after drawing with Jordan and Malaysia, respectively, finishing second in their group and conceding goals in all matches.[1] South Korea narrowly advanced to the semi-finals after knocking out Saudi Arabia on penalties and Australia in extra time, but Klinsmann was heavily criticised for his lack of tactical ability.[2] Korean FA president Chung Mong-gyu, who directly appointed Klinsmann as national team manager without a general process, was called to be held responsible for his decision after South Korea's semi-final loss to Jordan without a shot on target.[3]
The relegation play-off was contested between the 15th-placed team of K3 League and the third-placed team of K4 League (instead of runners-up Daejeon Hana Citizen B).