Coach Kim Sang Sik returns to South Korea after father's death: The pain and strength of Vietnam national team

On the morning of August 13, 2026, the training ground of the Vietnam national team in Hanoi suddenly became unusually quiet. No whistle, no footsteps. Just an empty space where the teacher usually stood. Head coach Kim Sang Sik had boarded a flight to South Korea. His father had passed away. The news came like a sudden rain in a hot afternoon, making everyone fall silent. In football, we often talk about tactics, about numbers, about goals. But sometimes, life knocks on the door harder than any match. And at that moment, football is just a small part of human life. Kim Sang Sik is not a strange name. He came to Vietnam in May 2026 with an ambitious contract. Over the past two years, he has led the U23 and national teams of Vietnam through many challenges, from World Cup qualifiers to regional tournaments. He is known for his dedication, meticulousness, and always putting his heart into every training session. Young players call him "the teacher of dreams" because he always believes in their ability, even when they haven't proven themselves. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has always given him absolute support. The VFF President in a brief press conference emotionally said: "We hope Coach Kim Sang Sik and his family can soon overcome this great loss." That is not just encouragement, but also proof of the strong relationship between the Korean coach and Vietnamese football. The ASEAN Cup 2026 is approaching. Vietnam is in Group A with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The opening match will take place on September 24, 2026. This is the most important tournament of the year for regional football, and Kim Sang Sik has spent months preparing. He has watched dozens of matches, analyzed each opponent, and built a flexible playing style based on the technical foundation of young players. But now, that plan must pause. His father, Mr. Kim, 84 years old, passed away after a long battle with illness. According to VFF, Kim Sang Sik is expected to stay in South Korea for about a week to handle the funeral and comfort his family before returning to Vietnam. In modern football, a week can be a long time. Especially in the sprint phase before a major tournament. Tactical training sessions, scrimmages, set-piece drills – all require the presence of the head. However, the assistant coaching staff continues the work. They maintain the lesson plans, encourage the players' spirit. But clearly, the void left by Kim is not easy to fill. Not because the assistants are not capable, but because he is the one who ignites the fire. His presence on the training ground is a mental tonic, a reminder that this team is on the right track. The impact of this absence needs to be viewed objectively. Tactically, Vietnam will lack direct adjustments from the head in training sessions. However, for a week, if the coaching staff maintains intensity and lesson plans, the damage may not be large. The problem lies in the psychological factor. Players, especially young ones, may feel insecure when their teacher has to go through the pain of losing his father. They will play for him, but they may also be distracted. This is when the mettle of a collective is tested. Great teams are not only strong in expertise, but also strong in overcoming adversity. Looking at Group A, Vietnam is rated higher than the Philippines and Pakistan, but Thailand remains the traditional rival. The match against Thailand could decide the top spot. Kim Sang Sik certainly has calculations for this match. His absence in the sprint phase could affect the deployment of tactics against the Thais. However, his assistants, who have worked with him for years, understand his philosophy. They can maintain the framework. The issue is flexible adjustments during the match – something only the head coach can decide. But that is a story for the future, when the tournament begins. For now, the most important thing is that Kim Sang Sik needs time for his family. VFF has taken the right steps. They did not pressure, did not emphasize achievements at this time. Instead, they showed sympathy and sharing. This is a positive signal, showing that Vietnamese football does not only chase results, but also knows how to respect people. In the past, there have been cases where foreign coaches were pressured when facing family matters, leading to difficult-to-heal rifts. But this time, VFF chose a civilized approach. That can create a positive effect in the dressing room. Players will understand that they are working in a humane environment, where even in failure, they are respected. As for Kim Sang Sik, this is a difficult time. He not only lost his father, but also has to face pressure from work. But perhaps, in pain, he will find strength. Those who have experienced loss understand that sometimes work is the best way to overcome. When he returns to Vietnam, he will bring a new energy. Pain can turn into motivation. And who knows, his players may be the ones who give him strength. There is a perspective that few mention: is Kim Sang Sik's absence really a disadvantage? In football, sometimes disruption creates opportunity. When the head coach is absent, assistants and players are forced to be more autonomous. They must make decisions themselves, take responsibility. This can promote the growth of a collective. Successful teams often have individuals who dare to stand up when the leader is not present. Moreover, the whole team rallying around a common goal – playing for the teacher – can create a stronger bond than any tactical drill. This is a spiritual factor that no number can measure. On the other hand, public opinion may sympathize with Kim, but may also raise the question: will he be clear-headed enough to lead the team after this event? That is a sensitive question, but it needs to be considered. In elite sports, psychological pressure is part of the game. However, with the experience of a 57-year-old man, Kim Sang Sik has been through many ups and downs. His mettle has been affirmed over the years. His return to South Korea at this time is a right decision, showing a balance between family and career. And that balance will help him become stronger when he returns. When Kim Sang Sik returns, he will see a team waiting for him. Not with pity, but with respect and determination. Football is not just passes, challenges. Football is the story of people. And in that story, sometimes tears are the flame that lights up dreams. The Vietnam national team will enter ASEAN Cup 2026 with a heavy but proud heart. They will fight for their teacher, for those who believed in them. And whatever the result, they have won a more important match: the match of humanity.