Indonesia, 19 July, 2025 – Two Korean head coaches will face off in Group B of the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship, currently taking place in Indonesia. The spotlight is on Kim Sang Sik (49), head coach of Vietnam U-23, and Ha Hyuk Joon (55), head coach of Laos U-23.
Both Kim and Ha currently serve as head coaches for their respective senior national teams and U-23 squads. They previously met during the first round of the 2026 AFC Asian Cup Final Qualifiers held on March 25.
Since taking charge of Vietnam in 2024, Coach Kim Sang Sik has been praised for leading a successful generational transition, focusing on rebuilding the squad with young talents. He has implemented systematic tactical training and squad rotation, using the U-23 team to gain international tournament experience and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Vietnamese football.
On the other hand, Coach Ha Hyuk Joon is leaving a significant mark on Laos football. Under his leadership, the Laos national team recorded its first A-match victory in 15 years, drawing public attention. His efforts have led to visible improvements in team organization and overall performance. Many see his work as a major step in transforming the foundation and global competitiveness of Laos football.
In Group B action, Laos and Cambodia played to a 1-1 draw in their opening match on July 16. That match garnered attention not only as a Southeast Asian clash but also as a tactical showdown between Korean coach Ha Hyuk Joon (Laos) and Japanese coach Koji leading Cambodia. Local media dubbed it a “mini Korea-Japan duel,” highlighting the strategic battle between two coaches from Asian football powerhouses.
This tournament serves as a key opportunity for young talents across Southeast Asia to prove themselves on the international stage ahead of the SEA Games, which will be held in Thailand this December. The competition is divided into Groups A, B, and C, with Laos and Vietnam grouped alongside Cambodia in Group B.
According to DJ Management, during the official pre-tournament press conference, Coach Kim stated, “I have high expectations to see how much our young players can grow through this tournament.” Coach Ha shared, “Facing strong teams will be a valuable experience for our players. We will approach the challenge with humility.”
The upcoming clash between Vietnam and Laos is drawing strong attention from regional football fans and media, seen as a symbolic encounter highlighting the influence of Korean coaches in Southeast Asian football. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM Vietnam time.
Lam Van – Dang Long
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