South Korea’s next manager race heats up
South Korea sit third in FIFA World Cup 2026 after three games, with one win, two losses and three points. As the search for a new manager gathers pace, a French journalist has named Park Min-seok as the frontrunner to replace Park Hang-seo.
Who is Park Min-seok?
Park Min-seok currently manages Incheon United in K League 1. He was named in last year’s K League Best XI after guiding the club to back-to-back post-season finishes. His flexible tactics and focus on young talent have drawn praise, and the journalist called him a potential "new messiah for Korean football."
South Korea have shipped three goals while scoring two, leaving them on a -1 goal difference. Park’s attacking style and willingness to blood young players could be the answer. But can he steady a defence that leaked against Jordan in their 1-1 draw on 25 March 2025 and again in their two losses?
The race to replace Park Hang-seo is wide open
The Korea FA has yet to name a successor to outgoing boss Park Hang-seo. While the French scribe tipped Park Min-seok, domestic heavyweights like Kim Ki-dong and Choi Kang-hee are also in the frame. The shortlist is crowded and the debate is fierce.
South Korea’s recent form reads 1W-1D in their last two outings, stretching their unbeaten run to two games. If Park lands the job, could he turn their World Cup 2026 campaign around?
What happens next?
No appointment has been made. Yet the French media spotlight on Park Min-seok is another data point in his favour. South Korea will now look to regroup under new leadership after crashing out of the group stage. If he’s hired, what tactical tweaks will he bring?
South Korea trail group leaders Mexico by six points with three games played. The next fixture can’t come soon enough for the fans.
