South Korea has made the decision to bring back Hong Myung-Bo for a second stint as the head coach of the national team. This move comes after a five-month period without a coach following the sacking of Jürgen Klinsmann in February. Hong, a former South Korean international player with 136 caps to his name, famously captained the team to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup which was held in South Korea. His new contract extends until the 2027 Asian Cup, highlighting a long-term commitment from both parties.
Hong previously managed the South Korean national team for 19 games between 2013 and 2014. Despite exiting in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup during his first tenure, he has since found success leading Ulsan HD to consecutive K League 1 titles in recent seasons. With a solid track record domestically, Hong’s return to the national team signals a renewed sense of hope and ambition for South Korean football fans.
One of Hong’s main objectives will be to guide South Korea to their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. The team has already progressed to the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. His appointment comes in the wake of Klinsmann’s departure, who left after a disappointing semi-final defeat by Jordan at the AFC Asian Cup. During the interim period, Hwang Sun-Hong and Kim Do-Hoon filled in as temporary coaches until a permanent successor was found.
Reports from South Korean media suggested that there were several other candidates in consideration for the head coaching role. Names such as Canada’s Jesse Marsch, former Norwich City manager David Wagner, and ex-Greece coach Gus Poyet were reportedly on the list of potential replacements. However, it ultimately was decided that Hong Myung-Bo was the right person to lead the team forward.
Hong Myung-Bo’s return to the helm of the South Korean national team brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement to fans. With a blend of experience as a player and success as a coach, there is hope that he can guide the team to new heights in the upcoming years.