Kim Ki-dong says he would take on national team role 'if the chance comes'

By Na Eun-jeong, The Herald Business — FC Seoul head coach Kim Ki-dong, who has emerged as a candidate to lead the South Korean national team following Hong Myung-bo's resignation, has signaled his willingness to take on the role.

Speaking at a post-match press conference after FC Seoul defeated Incheon United in the K League 1 restart on Saturday, Kim said, "If the opportunity comes, I would like to give it a try."

"The national team head coach position is not something you can take just because you want it. Even if you produce results on the field, it's still a place you may never reach," he said, adding, "Still, I keep working hard, thinking that if I continue to deliver results from wherever I am, the chance may come someday."

Incheon United head coach Yoon Jung-hwan, by contrast, struck a more modest tone at his pre-match press conference that day, saying, "I don't think I'm yet at a position to go that far."

The Korea Football Association has begun the search for a new national team head coach after Hong stepped down following South Korea's early exit from the 2026 North America World Cup — the country's worst-ever finish, at 34th place. Among domestic candidates being mentioned are Kim, Lee Jung-hyo of Suwon Samsung and Yoon.

Kim has been backing up his candidacy with results, as FC Seoul currently leads the league. In his third year in charge, the club has drawn attention for a markedly improved style of play.

"I've never been in first place for this long before. Being in a position where you're looking down from the top actually makes me more anxious when preparing for matches," he said, adding, "My role going forward is to help the players keep this momentum going."