South Korea out to avoid a repeat of toffee trauma

South Korea will look to end 55 years of Asian Cup futility in Australia, mindful that another flop could result in retribution from its fans - in the form of an avalanche of toffee.

The 2002 World Cup semifinalist last won the Asian title in 1960 - the year Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won Olympic boxing gold and Elvis Presley returned from US military duty in Germany.

South Korea's players were pelted with toffee by angry fans on their return to Seoul as last year's World Cup came to a sticky end - a traditional insult in the country, where "Go eat a toffee!" translates as a more colorful version of "Get lost!"

The Koreans partially atoned for their winless exit from Brazil by ending a 28-year gold medal drought at the Asian Games in October, overcoming bitter rival DPR Korea in a politically charged final on home soil.

South Korea's senior side has never come close to replicating the success of 2002, when its remarkable World Cup run sparked hysteria and turned the players and Dutch coach Guus Hiddink into national heroes.

South Korea unquestionably has the talent to push Australia and defending champion Japan for the title with Lee Chung-yong, Son Heung-min and captain Ki Sung-yueng among several creative European-based players at its disposal.

However, the absence through injury of mercurial forward Kim Shin-wook is a blow and, while there is little doubting the team's dazzling potential, a suspect temperament and an unproven coach with a patchy resume could provide serious obstacles.