Across Asia, football and diplomacy are dominating the conversation. In the latest edition of Access Asia, the focus turns to South Korea, where the national team's elimination from the World Cup has left many supporters frustrated and searching for answers.
Frustration Grows in South Korea
South Korea's exit from the World Cup has triggered a wave of disappointment across the country. For a nation with deep football passion and high expectations, the early elimination has fuelled anger and prompted soul-searching about the state of the national team.
The reaction underlines just how closely the sport is tied to national pride in South Korea, where fans invest heavily in the fortunes of their team on the global stage.
China's Football Puzzle
The programme also examines a long-standing question in Asian football: why China has been unable to break into the sport's top tier despite pouring significant investment into the game.
Access Asia's Sports Editor explores the reasons behind China's struggles, highlighting the gap between substantial financial backing and results on the pitch. The case raises broader questions about how money alone does not guarantee success in international football.