Crossword Genius

Setback for South Korea's leader after society delivers blow (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

socks

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'blow' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'setback for south korea's leader after society' is the wordplay.
'setback for' says the letters should be written in reverse (letters are set down in backwards order).
'leader' says to take the initial letters.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'society' becomes 'soc' (abbreviation in the names of organisations).
The initial letters of 'south korea' is 'sk'.
'sk' written backwards gives 'ks'.
'ks' put after 'soc' is 'SOCKS'.

'delivers' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for socks that I've seen before include "Are belts" , "Short stockings" , "Hard blows" , "Hits forcefully (colloq.)" , "Foot garments" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app