After the ASEAN Cup 2026 ended, Kim told Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) President Tran Quoc Tuan during a meeting that his father was experiencing health problems in his hometown of Busan. Tran encouraged Kim to make arrangements to return to South Korea as soon as possible to care for him. Kim was therefore able to be with his father during his final moments.

According to the VFF, Kim’s father died in his hometown on Sept. 12 at the age of 84. Upon receiving the news, Tran sent condolences to Kim and his family on behalf of the federation.

“The VFF and Vietnamese football fans stand with coach Kim Sang Sik and share his family’s profound grief. We hope coach Kim Sang Sik and his family can find the strength to get through this immense loss,” the federation said in its message of condolence.

Since arriving in Vietnam to work in May 2024, Kim has rarely spoken publicly about his family. The South Korean coach has focused heavily on his work, guiding Vietnam’s U23 and senior national teams to a number of strong results in regional and continental competitions.

Kim is expected to spend about a week mourning his father before returning to Vietnam to continue preparations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, scheduled for Sept. 24 to Oct. 5.

Vietnam will compete in Division 1 of the tournament and have been drawn in Group A alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Dai Nam