Hanoi, 24 December 2025 – From the very first days of taking charge as head coach of the Vietnam national team, Kim Sang-sik has repeatedly spoken about Park Hang-seo with deep respect. For the Korean tactician, his predecessor is not only a symbol of Vietnamese football’s success, but also a role model in professional mindset and team-building philosophy.
Coach Kim has emphasized that Park Hang-seo laid a solid foundation for the development of Vietnam’s national teams over many years. The remarkable achievements at regional and continental levels under Park’s leadership are seen as a vital legacy, one that instilled belief, resilience, and a strong fighting spirit in generations of Vietnamese players.
He has also acknowledged the significant pressure of succeeding a coach whose impact was so profound. However, Kim views this as both a challenge and a source of motivation. “Coach Park Hang-seo did an excellent job. I respect and learn from what he built for Vietnamese football,” Kim once shared.
According to Kim Sang-sik, the most important lesson he learned from his compatriot is how to instill spirit, unity, and confidence in players. These are the core values he aims to preserve, while gradually adding new elements that align with his own philosophy and the current generation of players.
By frequently referring to Park Hang-seo with humility and openness, Kim makes it clear that he does not see himself as a “replacement,” but rather as a successor. In Vietnam’s new football journey, respecting the past is the foundation for pursuing long-term and sustainable goals.
He considers Park’s achievements not merely historical milestones, but a crucial platform for Vietnamese football to continue moving forward.
Recently, Kim Sang-sik reiterated: “The great contributions of Coach Park Hang-seo are also a source of motivation for me to continue what he started in Vietnam.” In Kim’s view, Park’s greatest legacy lies not only in trophies, but in the fighting spirit, self-belief, and confidence in the inner strength of Vietnamese players.
On the other side, Park Hang-seo has also shown his enduring affection for Vietnamese football. After U22 Vietnam won their third SEA Games gold medal in history, he sent a heartfelt congratulatory message: “Although a bit late, I still want to congratulate U22 Vietnam on winning the SEA Games gold medal. This is a strong affirmation of the Vietnam Football Federation’s vision for developing Vietnamese football.”
Park added that the victory proves Vietnam can reach glory through its own internal strength, as long as the path is right and patience is maintained. He also expressed his trust in Kim Sang-sik: “I hope the ring I gave to Coach Kim will always bring him peace of mind and good fortune in the upcoming tournaments. I am proud of you and will always support Vietnamese football.”
The reflections from both Korean coaches highlight a respectful and meaningful continuity between generations. It is not only a story of professional succession, but also a symbol of trust, responsibility, and shared ambition to take Vietnamese football further on its journey ahead.
Phuong Lan
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