South Korea, 1 February 2026 – South Korea’s leading newspaper The Chosun Ilbo recently published an in-depth analysis highlighting the growing success of Korean coaches in Southeast Asia, with special focus on Kim Sang Sik and the remarkable transformation he has brought to Vietnamese football over the past year.
Under Kim Sang Sik’s leadership, Vietnam national under-23 football team secured a historic third-place finish at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. It marked Vietnam’s best result since their runner-up campaign eight years ago — the tournament that launched the legendary era of Park Hang Seo.
For the first time in history, Vietnam’s U23 side won all three group-stage matches. Although they fell to China in the semifinals, they responded with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over South Korea in the third-place playoff — the first time Vietnam had ever defeated Korea at U23 level. The achievement sent waves of pride across the country.
Throughout the tournament, streets filled with chanting fans waving flags and shouting “Vietnam.” When the team returned home, hundreds gathered at the airport to welcome the players. One powerful image stood out: Kim Sang Sik personally pushing the wheelchair of injured player Nguyen Hieu Minh. The simple yet compassionate gesture earned widespread praise and showed the human side of the coach beyond tactics and results.
Since taking charge of the national setup, Kim’s impact has been extraordinary. Vietnam captured three major titles in succession: the ASEAN Championship 2024 (Mitsubishi Cup) in January, the AFF U23 Championship in July, and the SEA Games gold medal in December. No coach before him had ever completed such a hat-trick of championships.
Even when stepping onto the larger Asian stage, what many now call the “Kim Sang Sik effect” has continued. Vietnam displayed consistent competitiveness throughout the U23 Asian Cup, signaling the dawn of a new golden generation.
His success stands apart from many other Korean coaches who previously worked in Southeast Asia. While several enjoyed short-term achievements, few managed to sustain their momentum. Coaches like Shin Tae Yong and Kim Pan Gon showed promise with Indonesia and Malaysia but never lifted major trophies. In contrast, Kim Sang Sik has delivered silverware at every tournament he has entered, quickly matching the legacy of his respected mentor Park Hang Seo.
What makes his accomplishments even more impressive is the rising competition in Southeast Asia, where many national teams now rely heavily on naturalized European-based players. Vietnam, however, has largely avoided this trend, instead developing homegrown talent — making their triumphs even more meaningful.
Learning from past setbacks at Jeonbuk Hyundai, Kim has evolved significantly. He has traveled across Vietnam scouting players, regularly sought advice from Park Hang Seo, and even learned to sing the Vietnamese national anthem to build stronger bonds with his squad.
More importantly, he has upgraded Vietnam’s tactical identity. At the U23 Asian Cup, his team showcased modern football built on pressing, quick transitions, and deadly set pieces.
As Kim himself summed up:
“Football is not played by reputation. Now Vietnam can create surprises.”
And with their recent rise, few would dare doubt that statement.
VSN/RPT
Leave a Reply