After Park Hangseo, Sangsik Kim's Magic: The Secrets Behind Vietnam's Football Rise

by Heo Midam

Published 29 Jan.2026 18:34(KST)

Changes in Players' Mindset and Discipline Drive Success

The Vietnam national football team has continued to achieve success under the leadership of Coach Sangsik Kim, following the era of Coach Park Hangseo, drawing attention to the factors behind Vietnam's football achievements.

According to local media outlet VN Express on January 29 (local time), after the under-23 (U-23) Vietnam national football team, led by Coach Kim, defeated South Korea and finished third in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup, Thai sports media such as "Think Curve" and "Siam Sports" simultaneously analyzed the secrets behind the success of Korean coaches.

Sangsik Kim, Head Coach of the Vietnam National Football Team. AFC Official Website

So far, among Southeast Asian countries, only Vietnam and Indonesia have reached the semifinals or higher in the U-23 Asian Cup. Vietnam finished as runners-up in 2018 under Coach Park, while Indonesia reached the semifinals in 2024 under Coach Shin Taeyong. The fact that both teams were led by Korean coaches is seen as more than a coincidence.

The media identified the change in players' mindset as a key factor for success. Before Coach Park's appointment in 2017, Vietnamese players tended to underestimate themselves. However, Coach Park instilled confidence through thorough preparation, convincing them they could compete with anyone, and Coach Kim has maintained this approach.

Team management centered on discipline was also highlighted as a common trait. According to Siam Sports, Korean coaches focus on correcting players' overall attitudes, strictly adhering to training schedules, and making it essential for players to follow tactical instructions. Prioritizing the system over individual talent or star players is another characteristic of these coaches. By ensuring players faithfully carry out their assigned roles, reliance on individual players has been reduced.

Think Curve analyzed that Korean coaches did not impose their football philosophy unilaterally, but rather designed tactics that reflected the characteristics of Vietnamese players. As a result, instead of complex possession-based football, the team was able to maintain a stable tempo throughout matches by focusing on solid defensive organization and rapid transitions between offense and defense.

Coach Park Hangseo. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Another success factor cited was that, unlike European coaches who often struggle to adapt to Southeast Asian culture, Korean coaches have a high understanding of Asian culture, allowing for smooth communication with players. They are strict on the training ground but maintain close relationships in the locker room, building trust and effectively conveying tactics and discipline.

These media outlets evaluated that the coaching philosophy of Korean coaches, combined with the fighting spirit of Vietnamese players, has enabled the Vietnam national team to write a successful history over the past several years. They added that the team has now shed its underdog image and established a solid presence on the Asian stage.