KFA has just announced the end of the process of receiving applications for the position of head coach of the Korean national team. According to the plan, a KFA committee will conduct screening and interviewing of candidates in the near future.
KFA said that many domestic and international coaches have submitted applications, but did not disclose specific identities. Some strategists mentioned by Korean media include former Uruguayan international Gus Poyet.
The new head coach selection process was implemented by KFA after Mr. Hong Myung-bo resigned after South Korea's unexpected performance at the 2026 World Cup. The previous head coach selection also faced much controversy, to the point that KFA leaders had to explain to the Korean National Assembly.
In that context, the KFA's initial relatively clear public disclosure of the selection process has made fans particularly interested in the list of candidates. On Korean football forums, many opinions suggest that the KFA should consider experienced coaches to lead the national team.
Notably, Kim Sang-sik is mentioned by a part of Korean fans. An account on the Rock Soccer forum asked whether the former Korean national team player is on the candidate list, and praised his achievements during his time leading the Vietnamese national team.
Another opinion suggests that KFA should prioritize coaches who have experience and success at the national team level, instead of just choosing strategists who are working at domestic clubs.
Mr. Kim Sang-sik is currently the head coach of the Vietnamese national team. After being appointed, he helped Vietnamese football achieve many positive results, thereby receiving high appreciation from experts and fans.
Before coming to Vietnam, coach Kim Sang-sik used to coach Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and helped this team win the K.League 1 championship in 2021. The former Korean national team player also played for many years in the national championship of this country.
However, whether Mr. Kim Sang-sik is on the list of candidates for head coach of the Korean national team or not has not been confirmed by KFA. Interviews and evaluations of candidates will be conducted in the near future before KFA makes a final decision.
