Coach Kim Sang Sik Returns to South Korea After Father's Death: Grief and Preparation Challenge for ASEAN Cup 2026

Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang Sik has left Vietnam to return to South Korea following the death of his father. The sad news broke in late August 2026, shocking and saddening Vietnamese football fans. According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Kim's father passed away at the age of 84 after a period of illness. Kim is expected to stay in South Korea for about a week to attend the funeral with his family before returning to Vietnam to continue his work.

The event comes at a critical time as Vietnam is in the final stages of preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2026, which kicks off on September 24. As head coach, Kim's absence—even for just a week—poses significant tactical and mental challenges for the team.

Background and Known Information

Kim Sang Sik was appointed to lead the Vietnam national team in May 2026. Over the past two years, he has left a strong mark with a disciplined, energetic, and organized playing style. Under his leadership, Vietnam has made significant progress in regional and continental competitions. He has also directly managed the U23 and senior national teams, demonstrating great trust from the VFF.

According to the VFF, Kim's father died from a serious illness. He was 84 years old. Kim is known to be a very filial son, regularly contacting and visiting his family despite working far from home. Recently, he has remained highly focused on his work, helping Vietnam achieve positive results. Therefore, upon receiving the news of his father's death, he immediately requested permission from the VFF to return to South Korea.

The VFF President offered encouragement and created maximum conditions for Kim to return for the funeral. In an official statement, the VFF sent deep condolences to Kim and his family: "We hope Coach Kim Sang Sik and his family can soon overcome this immense loss. Please return home; we will take care of everything here." This is seen as an act of care and respect for the coach, and appropriate behavior in a sensitive situation.

Impact on Preparation for ASEAN Cup 2026

The ASEAN Cup 2026 (also known as the AFF Cup) will take place from September 24 to October 5, 2026. Vietnam is in Group A with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. This is considered a moderate group but with challenges, especially the competition with Thailand—Vietnam's traditional rival.

The pre-tournament preparation period is always the most important time for a coach to convey tactical ideas, build fitness, and foster team cohesion. With Kim absent for about a week, Vietnam faces the risk of disruption to its training camp. A week may not be long, but given the already tight preparation window, losing direct leadership from the head coach is concerning.

According to expert analysis, in Southeast Asian football, teams often have only a few weeks to gather before major tournaments. The head coach's absence during this period can affect the implementation of complex tactical drills, especially set pieces and pressing. Without close supervision from the head coach, players may struggle to grasp tactical intentions.

However, it is worth noting that the VFF and the coaching staff have made certain preparations. In Kim's absence, assistant coaches will likely temporarily run training sessions. This is a standard contingency plan in professional football, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the competence and synergy among the coaching staff.

Potential Risks

There are three main risks from this situation. First, a tactical gap in the final preparation phase. If Kim returns later than expected, or if training sessions do not achieve the planned volume and quality, Vietnam may enter the tournament lacking in playing ideas.

Second, psychological factors. Losing a family member is a huge shock for anyone. Kim may need time to stabilize mentally. Even if he returns on time, his performance and focus in the first few days may be affected. This could impact tactical decisions in important matches.

Third, the possibility of an extended absence. Although expected to last about a week, funeral and family procedures may arise. If Kim has to stay longer in South Korea, Vietnam faces the risk of being without its head coach for a longer period, seriously affecting preparation plans.

Professional Assessment

From a tactical perspective, Kim's absence raises the issue of continuity in coaching. Under Kim, Vietnam has developed a distinct playing style based on high fitness and high pressing. Maintaining this style requires continuous and consistent direction from the head coach.

In that context, Kim's return to South Korea, even for a week, could disrupt the transmission of tactics. Assistants will have to take on a larger role, but they cannot fully replace the head coach. Differences in views and methods could lead to minor deviations in training, and these can accumulate over time.

However, it is also important to objectively recognize that Kim has worked with Vietnam for over two years. Players are familiar with his philosophy and methods. This means that even in his absence, the team can maintain basic playing principles. The issue lies in adjusting and refining details, which are decisive in short tournaments.

Public and Media Reaction

Vietnamese and regional media have widely reported the event. Most articles express sympathy and share with Kim. There have been no significant negative comments, indicating his image among fans remains very positive. Vietnamese fans understand that family is sacred, and his return to South Korea at this time is completely reasonable.

On football forums, many fans express hope that Kim will soon overcome his grief and return stronger. Some also express concern about the team's preparation, but overall, the sentiment is one of sympathy and support. This creates a favorable environment for the VFF and coaching staff to handle the situation smoothly.

In-depth Tactical Impact Analysis

To better understand the impact of this absence, one must look at how Vietnam operates under Kim. He is known for building a high-pressing system that requires synchronization and precision in every movement. This system relies not only on fitness but also on players' ability to read the game and make quick decisions. Training this system requires the head coach's constant presence on the training pitch to adjust and correct promptly.

During a week's absence, complex tactical drills may be disrupted. Assistants can maintain basic fitness and technical exercises, but implementing new tactical plans or fine-tuning set pieces may be difficult. This is especially important when Vietnam faces Thailand, an opponent with a technical playing style and high adaptability.

Additionally, Kim's absence may affect personnel decisions. During preparation, testing lineups and assessing player form is crucial. Without the head coach's direct observation, some players may miss the chance to prove themselves, or conversely, underperforming players may still be retained.

However, there are positive aspects. Kim's absence could give assistant coaches an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and assert their roles. It is also a chance for players to be more autonomous in maintaining discipline and promoting responsibility. In football, such gaps sometimes help a team mature.

Comparison with Other Regional Teams

In Southeast Asian football, a head coach's absence during preparation is not rare. Many regional teams have faced similar situations, and their handling can be a lesson for Vietnam. For example, Thailand once had a period where their head coach returned home for personal reasons, and they overcame it thanks to the stability of the coaching staff and the players' unity.

The Philippines and Pakistan, Vietnam's group opponents, may not face similar issues, but they have their own difficulties. The Philippines is in the process of rejuvenating its squad, while Pakistan remains a weaker team in the region. This means Vietnam is still rated higher, but must not be complacent.

Importance of ASEAN Cup 2026

The ASEAN Cup 2026 is not just a regional tournament but also significant for Vietnamese football. It is an opportunity for the team to assert its position as number one in Southeast Asia and a stepping stone for bigger tournaments like World Cup qualifiers. Performance in this tournament also affects Vietnam's FIFA ranking, which in turn impacts seeding in future draws.

For Kim, this is an important tournament to prove his coaching ability after more than two years in charge. He has received great trust from the VFF and fans, and a good result at the ASEAN Cup 2026 will consolidate his position. Conversely, if the team performs poorly, pressure may increase, especially as his contract expires at the end of 2026.

Role of Fans

Vietnamese fans have always been a huge source of mental encouragement for the team. In this difficult period, their support becomes even more important. Fans can express their sympathy for Kim through social media messages or attend matches to cheer for the team in upcoming games. A positive atmosphere from the stands will give players extra motivation.

Temporary Replacement Possibility

If Kim has to stay in South Korea longer than expected, the VFF may consider appointing an interim coach. However, this option is unlikely as it would cause major disruption in the coaching staff. Most likely, the assistants will continue their work until he returns. The important thing is that the VFF needs a clear contingency plan to ensure the team is not passive.

Coach's Mental Health

Pressure in elite football is immense, and losing a family member adds to the mental burden for a coach. Kim has always shown professionalism and resilience throughout his career, but no one can avoid feelings of grief. Being able to return home and spend time with family is essential for him to stabilize mentally. The VFF and fans should continue to show sympathy and give him private space.

Head-to-head History at ASEAN Cup

Vietnam won the ASEAN Cup in 2026 and 2026. This shows the team has the ability to compete for the title. However, in recent years, Thailand and Indonesia have made strong progress, creating fiercer competition. Winning a third title would be a proud achievement but also a significant challenge.

Key Players

Under Kim, several players have established important roles. Names like Nguyen Quang Hai, Do Hung Dung, and Nguyen Tien Linh remain pillars of the team. In addition, young players like Nguyen Hoang Duc and Phan Van Duc are making remarkable progress. Kim's absence may affect personnel decisions, but these players are already familiar with his philosophy and can adjust themselves.

Conclusion

The event of Kim Sang Sik returning to South Korea after his father's death is sad, but it also shows professionalism and humanity in the VFF's handling. This is a time for Vietnamese football to demonstrate maturity in organization and management. The challenges ahead are great, but with careful preparation and unity, Vietnam can overcome this difficult period.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update the latest information on Vietnam's preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026.