Playing in front of 10,832 fans at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, West Java, the two Asian soccer powerhouses failed to score a single goal during 90 minutes, going into extra time to determine the winner.

Korea's captain Son Heung-min nearly opened the scoring seconds into extra time when he took advantage of an error by Japan's Teruki Hara who lost ball possession in his own defense.

One-on-one with the keeper, Son's left-footed shot went wide.

Two minutes later, Korea scored a much-awaited goal when Lee Seung-woo, who came on from the bench, sent a screamer following a scrimmage inside Japan's penalty area.

Hwang Hee-chan doubled the advantage as he jumped highest to head from a free kick and sent the ball into the far corner of the net.

Five minutes before the final whistle, Ayase Ueda scored a consolation goal for Japan but failed to prevent his team from losing the game.

Son, 26, current Asia's biggest talent in the English Premier League, celebrated the win by making a victory lap carrying South Korea's flag and approached his fans in the stands, who greeted him with sheer jubilation.

The victory means that he can now focus on developing a bright career with Tottenham Hotspur as he will not be required to take part in 21-month military service thanks to the gold medal.

Since joining Spurs in 2015, Son has scored 30 goals.

Son praised his teammates, particularly for the 30-minutes hard-fought battle during extra time, but stopped short of commenting on the military-service exemption.

"I think we did really good [...] I am really proud of my teammates," Son said. (nkn)