South Korea lost 1-0 to North Korea in its opening men's soccer match of the 2010 Asian Games in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

At Mount Yuexiu Stadium in Guangzhou on Monday afternoon, the national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, lost the nation's opening match by allowing North Korean captain Ri Kwang-chon to score on a header in the 35th minute.

It is a disappointing start for the South Korean team, which is aiming to win a gold medal for the first time in 24 years in men's soccer at the Asian Games.

Twenty-four countries divided into six groups are competing for gold in the event. The top two in each of the six groups and the four best third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage.