South Korea threw everything but the kitchen sink at China on Friday, but settled for a 2-2 draw after Kashiwa Reysol defender Hong Myung Bo was sent off in the 65th minute of their Asian Cup Group B opener.
Hong got his marching orders after pulling down striker Su Maozhen and watched from the bench as defender Fan Zhiyi, of English club Crystal Palace, converted from the penalty spot to earn China an ill-deserved point at Tripoli Stadium.
South Korea looked to have done enough after Cerezo Osaka midfielder Noh Jung Yoon lashed in a fierce right-foot shot from the edge of the box in the 58th minute to give his side the lead again after the first half ended 1-1.
But Chinese playmaker Ma Mingyu soon punished the South Koreans for sitting on their lead, releasing Su with a wonderful through-ball that led to Hong's illegal intervention.