SEOUL — In a pivotal move, Hong Myung-bo has been named the new head coach for the South Korean men's national football team, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced on Sunday. This marks a significant leadership change as the national team prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a press conference scheduled for Monday by technical director Lee Lim-saeng will further discuss the details of Hong's appointment. Hong, who has a decorated history both as a player and a coach, previously led the national team from 2013 to 2014. His reappointment comes after the KFA's extensive search for a new coach following the dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann in February due to a disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup semifinals.
Hong's contract extends through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled in Saudi Arabia from January 15 to February 8, with a performance review set after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This appointment makes him the first Korean to take the top job since Shin Tae-yong's tenure at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The search for a new coach faced several challenges, including negotiations with foreign coaches such as David Wagner and Gus Poyet, and internal disagreements within the KFA over the selection process. Ultimately, after an unsuccessful bid to secure a foreign coach due to financial constraints and internal disagreements, the KFA turned back to Hong, who had recently led Ulsan Hyundai FC to back-to-back K League 1 titles.
Hong's return to the national team is not just a testament to his coaching capabilities but also reflects his profound impact on South Korean football. As a player, he was instrumental in leading South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and has continued to influence the sport through his coaching, notably taking the under-23 team to a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
As Hong prepares to transition from Ulsan to the national team, the exact timing of his departure is still being discussed. Ulsan Hyundai FC's CEO, Kim Gwang-guk, indicated that further conversations with the KFA are needed to finalize the details.
With South Korea set to begin the third round of Asian World Cup qualification in September, Hong's leadership will be crucial as the team faces Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, and Kuwait in Group B, aiming for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.