After a five-month search for a new head coach, South Korea has decided to bring back Hong Myung-Bo for a second spell in charge of the national team. This decision comes after former coach Jürgen Klinsmann was sacked in February, leaving a vacancy that has now been filled by Hong. The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced on Monday that Hong had signed a contract until the 2027 Asian Cup.
Hong Myung-Bo, a former South Korean footballer who made 136 appearances for the national team, previously served as the head coach for 19 games between 2013 and 2014. During his time in charge, he led South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup on home soil. However, he left the role after the team’s group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup.
Hong’s return to the national team comes after his successful tenure with Ulsan HD, where he led the team to back-to-back K League 1 titles in the past two seasons. He has now been tasked with guiding South Korea to an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. The team is currently in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Hong Myung-Bo replaces German coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who departed after South Korea’s unexpected semi-final defeat by Jordan at the AFC Asian Cup. Following Klinsmann’s departure, interim coaches Hwang Sun-Hong and Kim Do-Hoon took charge of the national team while the KFA searched for a permanent replacement. Reports from South Korean media suggested that other candidates, such as Canada coach Jesse Marsch, ex-Norwich City manager David Wagner, and former Greece coach Gus Poyet, were also considered for the role.
The appointment of Hong Myung-Bo marks a significant development for South Korea’s national team. With his experience as both a player and a coach, as well as his recent success at the club level, Hong brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Fans will be hoping that he can lead the team to further success on the international stage and continue the country’s proud footballing tradition.
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