From being labeled a “step backward,” Kim Sang Sik has become the perfect rebirth after Park Hang Seo, forging a remarkable bond with the head coach position of the Vietnam national team.

Welcome 2026, and welcome the radiance of Vietnamese football not merely within Southeast Asia, but firmly on the continental stage. The U23 Asian Cup bronze medal, and the manner in which U23 Vietnam achieved it, left a powerful imprint - earning respect from rivals and widespread praise from international media, experts and supporters alike.

Continuing the admirable legacy Park Hang Seo built for Vietnamese football, Kim Sang Sik has written an impressive new chapter with both U23 Vietnam and the senior national team.

Once again, the “dark magic” associated with Kim Sang Sik was invoked, as his impressive start has fueled great belief that Vietnamese football will enjoy further breakthroughs in 2026.

In South Korea, analysts were left reflecting deeply after their home side suffered a painful defeat to “the Korean” Kim Sang Sik, marking U23 Vietnam’s first victory after 10 previous encounters.

Looking back at 2025, Kim Sang Sik earned a flawless 10 out of 10 - without any caveats - for accomplishing a treble even Park Hang Seo had never achieved: winning the AFF Cup with the national team at the start of the year, lifting the Southeast Asian U23 Championship mid-year, and claiming the SEA Games 33 gold medal at the end of the campaign.

Many praised him for possessing some formidable “magic,” but “Thay Sau” (Coach Six), as he is fondly called, insisted there was no magic at all - only sweat, relentless effort from the entire squad, and a never-give-up spirit from his players.

He remains deeply grateful for that collective determination. He also never fails to mention his “elder brother,” Park Hang Seo, who first found his destiny with Vietnamese football and made history here, ultimately giving him the opportunity to be “reborn” in a land that was once entirely unfamiliar.

Like his predecessor, Kim Sang Sik arrived in Vietnam after turbulent days at home, carrying heavy thoughts in his heart. From that point on, he poured all his passion and strength into the dual hot seats of U23 Vietnam and the senior national team.

Before taking charge of Vietnam in 2024, Kim resigned from Jeonbuk in 2023 with profound sadness - a club he had devoted 15 years to, first as a player and later as a coach. He led the team to the K-League 1 title in 2021 and won the Korean FA Cup in 2022, yet fans quickly turned away when results faltered the following season.

Daily Sports recalled that when Kim Sang Sik was appointed head coach of Vietnam, it was widely viewed as a “step backward” for his personal career. Few could have imagined it would become an unforgettable milestone - a true rebirth in a distant country, as he continued Park Hang Seo’s legacy and kept Vietnam’s football fever burning.

Hankook Ilbo assessed that from being criticized for unimaginative tactics at home, Kim Sang Sik has forged a genuine “winning spirit” from U23 Vietnam to the senior team, earning growing affection from supporters.

Yet, as the coach himself shared, he has no intention of allowing either himself or his players to rest on their laurels. Instead, the focus remains on striving for new goals.

Awaiting Kim Sang Sik and his players after the Lunar New Year 2026 is a rematch against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers - a stage where Vietnam may well deliver another meaningful gift to expand its opportunities.

Let us wish “Thay Sau” and his players continued success - playing ever better, inspiring ever deeper passion among the fans.

Lam Hoang