Cho Gue-sung scored the only goal as the clock ticked down.
Russell is leading the drivers’ standings for the first time in his career.
The Northern Irishman pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational after experiencing back spasms.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has remained loyal to the overhauled backline that misfired against Italy.
The England and Wales Cricket Board appears ready to reverse plans to block the Test contingent from speaking.