A full 12 years since their remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals, South Korea will be again out to cause a shock in Brazil.
This summer's tournament will be the Red Devils' eighth in succession, having enjoyed mixed performances in years gone by.
They managed to reach the the last-16 in South Africa in 2010 and that will again be the target this summer, after they were handed a favourable group.
Tournament dark horses Belgium look certain to top Group H, with South Korea hoping to overcome Russia and Algeria for the all-important second spot.
Key players
Ki Sung-Yeung - The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine season with Sunderland, playing a key role in their fight against relegation and run to the Capital One Cup final.
He will be a key component in Hong Myung Bo's midfield during the tournament.
Kim Bo-Kyung - The midfielder will be desperate to bounce back from a sorry season with Cardiff this summer.
Kim has made over 20 appearances for his country and will line up alongside fellow English-based star Ki in Brazil.
Ji Dong-Won - A name recognised by Sunderland fans, most notably for a famous winner against Manchester City in 2012.
The 23-year-old was loaned out to Augsburg last season - where he scored once - and will join Borussia Dortmund after the World Cup.
Rising star
Son Heung-Min - Both Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked with the Bayer Leverkusen striker, who turns 22 during the tournament.
He bagged 10 goals for the German side last season having previously shone for Hamburg and is becoming an idol in his homeland.
Form
Mixed would be the best word to describe Korea's form, although they haven't played a competitive fixture for nigh on a year.
They have enjoyed friendly wins over fellow World Cup qualifiers Costa Rica and Greece since the turn of the year, but disappointingly lost 1-0 to Tunisia at the end of May.
Expectation
A repeat of their remarkable 2002 run appears out of the question for South Korea, who will simply want to get out of their group.
A Round of 16 tie with Germany or Portugal would then probably lie in wait but most fans would settle for the knockout stages.
Quirky fact
Coach Hong Myung-Bo appeared at four World Cups and is the country's most capped player, making a staggering 136 appearances.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryeong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Horang-i), Lee Bum-young (Busan I'Park).
Defenders: Yun Suk-young (QPR), Kim Young-kwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hwang Seok-ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg), Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Horang-i), Kim Chang-soo (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Joo-ho (Mainz) .
Midfielders: Ki Seung-yueng (Sunderland, on loan from Swansea), Ha Dae-sung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jung-woo (Guangzhou R&F), Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen), Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-won (Augsburg).
Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol (Mainz), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chu-young (Arsenal), Kim Shin-wook (Ulsan Horang-i).
Fixtures
June 17 - Russia
June 22 - Algeria
June 26 - Belgium