Former head coach Hong Myung-bo, center, is seen with players of the national football team after landing at Incheon International Airport, early Tuesday, as they returned following Korea's exit from the FIFA World Cup after the group stage. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Now that Hong Myung-bo has resigned, there will be a debate as to who is next to take the national team hotseat, one of the most pressured jobs in Asia.
In the past this used to be a fun ritual. First, the media would throw lots of names around –both foreign and domestic. Then there would be a shortlist revealed and the excitement would move up a level fun with rumors, reports and all the rest.
Outgoing Korea Football Association (KFA) chief Chong Mung-gyu spoiled it all of late by going outside the normal practices to ensure Jurgen Klinsmann got the job in 2023 and Hong in 2024. Indeed, this is part of the reason for the current anger.
Now, though, there is going to be a new boss and while it is best not to rush, the question will soon start to be asked. Who? Despite all the criticism at Hong, he is actually one of the most successful Korean coaches. He led Ulsan HD to two successive K-League titles in 2022 and 2023 and also won bronze with the U-23 team at the 2012 London Olympics.
