In a surprising move, former Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo and former Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong have been appointed vice presidents of the Korean Football Association (KFA) for the 2025–2028 term. The KFA announced the appointments, adding Park and Shin to the 55th Executive Committee led by President Chung Mong-gyu.
With Park overseeing support for the national team and Shin focusing on foreign cooperation, the KFA aims to leverage their expertise and diverse perspectives to revitalize South Korean football. President Chung, amidst previous calls for his resignation due to perceived mismanagement, has retained his position and embarked on this strategic restructuring.
Park, a seasoned coach with a remarkable track record, previously assisted South Korea during the 2002 World Cup, where the team secured a historic fourth-place finish. His successful stint with the Vietnam national team from 2017 to 2023 saw numerous achievements, including silver at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship and victory at the 2018 AFF Cup.
Under Park’s leadership, Vietnam consistently outperformed its regional counterparts and maintained a strong FIFA ranking. His tenure marked a golden era for Vietnamese football, culminating in a notable second-place finish at the 2022 AFF Cup.
Shin, a respected figure in South Korean football circles, gained prominence by guiding Seongnam FC to victory in the 2010 AFC Champions League. His coaching prowess extended to the national teams, achieving significant milestones such as reaching the quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and defeating Germany at the 2018 World Cup.
Shin’s coaching journey continued with Indonesia, where he made history by guiding the team to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite his notable successes, Shin faced challenges and was relieved of his duties following Indonesia’s early exit from the 2024 ASEAN Cup.
Both Park and Shin bring a wealth of experience and strategic vision to their new roles within the KFA. Their appointments signal a commitment to driving innovation and excellence in South Korean football, setting the stage for a new chapter under President Chung’s leadership.
As Park focuses on enhancing the national team’s performance and Shin spearheads international collaboration efforts, the KFA aims to harness their collective expertise to propel South Korean football to greater heights.
Their joint appointment underscores the KFA’s dedication to embracing change and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. With Park and Shin at the helm, South Korean football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the positive impact of their leadership on the country’s football landscape.