Playing their first match since a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign, the Elephants delivered a strong performance at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.
Goals from Evann Guessand, Simon Adingra, Martial Godo, and Wilfried Singo secured a comfortable victory, even though Asians started the game brightly.
Despite the big result, Fae reminded his team to stay disciplined while stressing that hard work and consistency will be important as they aim for success on the global stage.
"We are not getting carried away with this win and it is important for the team to keep working hard, even after scoring four goals and keeping a clean sheet," the 2024 CAF Coach of the Year told Flashscore.com.
"(This result) is a positive step for the future, but what matters most is maintaining this same level of focus and concentration in every game.
"Our attention now turns to the match against Scotland on Tuesday, and after that we will step up our preparations for the FIFA World Cup. We will take things step by step."
Asked whether he faced a selection dilemma given the depth of quality in the Elephants’ squad, the 42-year-old said: "It was not difficult selecting the starting eleven, as the aim was to give other players a chance to prove themselves and show what they can add to the team.
"We knew South Korea had strong technical quality, especially players capable of making intelligent passes and controlling the game.
"Our aim was to disrupt that rhythm and stop them from playing through the middle. They have the ability to cause problems, but we managed the game well and limited their impact.
"They had a few moments and created some chances, but I believe we handled those situations well. In general, it was a solid performance from us and we did a good job.
"After these games, we will decide which players will make the World Cup squad."
Three of Ivory Coast’s goals came from strikers, including debutant Martial Godo, who marked his senior international bow after switching allegiance from England.
Fae was not surprised by the attacking output, noting that many of his forwards had been in strong form for their respective clubs in Europe ahead of the international break.
"While putting the squad together, we noticed all the strikers were in good form, which made selection difficult because of their quality," he added.
"Seeing them perform like this in the first game is very positive for both confidence and healthy competition within the team.
"Everyone is pushing to earn a place in the starting lineup, and that level of competition can only improve the squad.
"We are pleased with what we have seen so far, but we must keep building on it. Our focus now is to maintain this momentum and aim for another win in our next match on Tuesday."
The former Nantes and Nice midfielder also clarified his decision to start Amad Diallo on the bench, dismissing any concerns over his fitness.
The Manchester United star was introduced just after the hour mark, replacing Godo. Despite not starting, he made an impact by providing an assist for Singo’s goal.
"Amad is fine, he is very good and we know his qualities and what he can bring to the team, especially after his recent performances," Fae said.
"But we also have new players coming in, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to show what they can offer. It was simply a selection decision. With the options available, I had to choose who starts.
"It doesn’t mean Amad won’t start the next game, we are just trying to assess everyone and get the best out of the squad. The goal is to see what each player can contribute and make the right choices for the team."
The Elephants will face World Cup-bound Scotland on Tuesday night at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium as they continue fine-tuning their preparations for the global showpiece.
For Steve Clarke’s men, they will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 1–0 defeat to Japan in their previous outing.
Ivory Coast have been drawn against former world champions Germany, Ecuador national team, and debutants Curacao when the 2026 FIFA World Cup get underway in the United States, Mexico and Canada.