The Koreans could only manage one medal at Rio 2016, a bronze in the women's doubles, won by Jung Kyung-eun and Shin Seung-chan, which was short of the eight they have won in the previous three Olympics combined.

There was some positive news in the country's capital, however, as by the close of today's action, there were two qualifiers in the men’s singles and three first round victories in the mixed doubles for the hosts in this Superseries event. 

Local hope Heo Kwang Hee, who upset Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei in the first qualifying round of this event last year, defeated compatriot Ha Young Woong 21-15, 13-21, 21-15 in the men's draw.

Another South Korean, Seo Seung-jae, also advanced to tomorrow's first round as he beat Japan’s Takuma Ueda 21-16 21-15.

South Korea's good fortune also extended to the mixed doubles competition.

Kim Dae Eun and partner Go Ah Ra eased past Indonesia's Yehezkiel Mainaky and Lyanny Ale Mainaky 21-7, 21-9 and fellow South Koreans Duk Young Kim and Hye Rin Kim beat Germany's Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich 21-17, 21-16.

Another German pair were beaten by a pair from the host nation as Marvin Emi Seidel and Linda Efler were eliminated by Chung Eui Seok and Yoo Hae Won.

Chung and Yoo will now face British second seeds Chris and Gabrielle Adcock in the second round after they beat Seidel and Efler 21-12, 21-12.

The day was not a total success for the hosts, however, as Park Se Woong and Kim So Yeong had two match points against China’s Huang Kaixiang and Yu Xiaohan but could not convert. 

They were eventually beaten 21-15, 22-20, 21-8.

South Korea's Kim Gi Jung and Shin Seung Chan were also eliminated after they suffered a 21-17, 22-20 defeat at the hands of Hong Kong’s Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi Wah.

Action is due to continue tomorrow with matches in the men's and women's singles and doubles competitions. 

The tournament is scheduled to reach its climax with finals on Sunday (October 2).