The soccer triumph gladdened the South Koreans in the wee hours of the nation's Liberation Day.
The first victory was set for the South Korean soccer team facing off Mexico in their second match of the Olympic Games, after a regrettable draw with Greece on Thursday.
The team led by coach Kim Ho-gon beat Mexico 1-0, bringing it closer to the quarterfinals, and delivering timely news to the Korean public disappointed by other performances of the day in Athens including air rifle shooting and Judo.
Kim Jung-woo scored in the 15th minute for the team, who are now second in Group A, with Mali beating Greece to clinch the top spot.
The team now only need a draw with Mali in the final group match Tuesday to reach the quarterfinal.