The 2026 AFC U-23 Championship concluded, leaving the Vietnam U-23 national team with a memorable bronze medal and an enduring image: their South Korean coach, Kim Sang-sik, speaking about his players like family. His approach is a testament to a unique bonding between Korean coaches and Vietnamese footballers.

Responsibility, Self-Respect, and Trust

Coach Kim often employs words like “gratitude,” “never giving up,” and “mutual sacrifice” when discussing his players, reflecting a cultural respect for the teacher-student relationship. This syncs with Vietnamese culture, where a teacher’s compassion and morals are prized above talent.

“When Xiaoming was injured, when Dingbei was dismissed, when we lost to China, I reacted not out of anger, but worry. It’s not weakness, but dignity and respect,” Kim explained. His behavior echoes the East Asian principle of maintaining players’ dignity while emphasizing responsibility and self-respect.

Cultural Impact on the Pitch

The bronze medal match against South Korea was an emotional highlight. With Vietnam reduced to ten players, Kim focused on drills, trusting his team to defend as trained. This trust underpinned the coach-player relationship. Post-match, Kim bowed to Vietnamese fans, a culturally significant gesture of gratitude.

Cultural similarities have created an invisible bridge between Vietnamese and Korean football. Vietnam learns discipline and fitness from Korea, while Korean coaches, like Park Hang-seo and Kim Sang-sik, find sincerity and desire to excel in Vietnamese players.

Beyond Medals: A Cultural Touch

The bronze medal in the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship is more than an achievement; it embodies the evolution of the Vietnamese-Korean football relationship. As a Korean coach expresses respect for Vietnamese players, and they trust him in return, football transcends sports, touching culture.

From Park Hang-seo’s “family” approach to Kim Sang-sik’s “words of gratitude,” Vietnamese football’s success story isn’t just about tactics; it’s also about player development approached through mutual respect and understanding.

FAQs

Who is Kim Sang-sik?

Kim Sang-sik is a South Korean coach leading the Vietnam U-23 national team.

What is the connection between Vietnamese and Korean football?

Their cultural similarities, especially in values like responsibility and self-respect, create a strong bond between footballers and coaches from the two nations.