Korea Football Association announced on Tuesday the appointment of former Ulsan HD coach Kim Dohoon as the interim coach to guide the national team for two matches in the qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month: Korea Republic are set to take on Singapore on the road on 6 June, before welcoming China PR to Seoul in five days’ time.
 

KFA stated as follows: “There are possibilities that the appointment of a new coach might not be completed prior to the A-matches in June, as the negotiations are still in progress at the moment. A national team reinforcement committee meeting was held earlier this morning to discuss the matter, and it was decided that Kim Dohoon would be appointed as the interim coach to lead the national team through the two games next month.”

A prolific striker in his playing days, Kim Dohoon began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Seongnam Ilhwa in 2005 before taking the reins of Incheon United and Ulsan HD, where he guided the Tigers to winning the AFC Champions League in 2020. He also had a stint at Lion City FC in Singapore the following year.

Chung Haesoung, the chairman of the committee, said: “Mr. Kim Dohoon has proved himself as a leader through his illustrious coaching career. We have also taken into account the fact that he is familiar with the surroundings in Singapore, as he has coached his side to the Singaporean Championship.”

Meanwhile, KFA appointed Tongmyong University coach Lee Changwon, who had been recommended by the committee, as the new coach for the U-19 national team. Lee played for Jeonnam Dragons and Pohang Steelers before hanging up his boots to lead Pohang Steel High School. He was renowned for developing youth talent in the high school scene, before going on to join the coaching staff of Daejeon Citizen and then Daegu Arts University football team. The U-19 national team will be preparing for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup as well as the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year, after taking part in a four-nation friendly tournament to be held in China next month.