Home favourite Im Sung-jae heads an eight-strong logjam at the top of the leaderboard following the second round of the Genesis Championship.
The 27-year-old – a two-time PGA Tour winner who has starred in the Presidents Cup – is one of the main attractions at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club this week.
Following a 69 during his first round, Im, who started at the 10th, surged into contention thanks to a a flawless four-under front nine.
A bogey at the fourth blotted his card, but birdies at the fifth and seventh saw him take the outright lead on seven under.
However, he dropped a shot at the ninth to drop back to six under and sit alongside fellow South Korean Song Min-hyuk, Frenchman Tom Vaillant and England's Alex Fitzpatrick who were already in the clubhouse on the same mark.
"I feel that today I was very consistent," Im said. "Looking back at my game, I think I was aggressive when I needed to be and I played safe when I needed to.
"When I could create birdie opportunities, I was really going for it. On pin locations where I felt I needed to play safe, I did, and I was able to make par on those holes. My strategy was really good today.
"When we come to Korea we have all these fans who come out and cheer and support us. That really gives you the boost you need. When I come here, I really have a good time."
Spaniard Nacho Elvira carded a second successive 68 to make it a five-way tie at the top before New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier also joined the pack.
Lee Jung-hwan produced the round of the day with a brilliant 65 to increase the leading group to seven before overnight joint leader Li Haotong made his move.
At one point, the Chinese star was two clear at eight under par after two birdies in his opening five holes, but a mixed round which saw him pick up four shots and card four bogeys meant he remained at six under.
There are no Irishmen in action in Cheonan this week.
