Indonesian media praises Kim Sang-sik as Park Hang Seo's successor.

Prior to the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, Indonesian media — specifically the newspaper Bola — praised coach Kim Sang-sik as a worthy successor to coach Park Hang Seo. The key factor that convinced them was the philosophy of developing internal talent that the Vietnam U22 team pursued, in the context of many Southeast Asian teams increasing their naturalization efforts.

The philosophy of developing internal strength for the Vietnam U22 team.

According to Bola, the South Korean coach is facing "immense pressure" as Southeast Asia witnesses a strong wave of naturalization. Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have many players of foreign origin, while the Vietnam U22 team remains committed to its own path of self-development. Bola commented: "Coach Kim Sang Sik admits he feels immense pressure aiming for the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games. Replicating Park Hang Seo's feat will not be easy."

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared his vision: “I understand this is a big challenge. Many teams in the region have become stronger thanks to naturalized players, but Vietnam has its own advantages in terms of team spirit and a desire to win.” He emphasized the long-term goal of elevating Vietnamese youth football to continental standards: “I want to help players develop comprehensively and be capable of playing abroad. Achievements are important, but sustainable development is the main goal.”

Pressure and expectations following recent titles

Indonesian media consider Kim Sang Sik a worthy successor to coach Park Hang Seo, especially after he helped Vietnamese football win the 2024 AFF Cup and the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship. However, the pressure remains high as fans expect the U22 Vietnamese team to extend their gold medal streak at the SEA Games.

In the overall regional context, prioritizing domestic talent places high demands on the selection, training, and accumulation of competitive experience for young players. This also means that results will take time to materialize, unlike the immediate impact that naturalization can bring to some teams.

Two opposing paths in Southeast Asia

The 33rd SEA Games in Thailand is seen as a "test of character" for coach Kim Sang-sik, where two opposing philosophies — Vietnam's "self-development" and many opponents' "naturalized players breaking through" — will clash directly. In this context, each match will be a test of the depth of the squad, the ability to execute their playing style, and the competitive spirit of the U22 Vietnam team.

Coach Kim highlighted the key strengths of the team spirit and the desire to win. If discipline and a sustainable development foundation are maintained, the U22 Vietnam team has the basis to compete for medals, while continuing to pursue the long-term goal: creating a generation of players capable of reaching continental level.

Impact ahead of the 33rd SEA Games

• The image of the Vietnam U22 team: staying true to a strategy of relying on domestic resources rather than naturalizing players.
• Pressure to achieve results: the goal of winning a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games comes with the expectation of extending the streak of gold medals.
• Positive sign: a sustainable approach that focuses on the holistic development of young players.

From Bola and Indonesian media reports, the prominent message is not just the expectation of a gold medal, but also the appreciation for a strategically important youth football project. SEA Games 33, therefore, transcends the mere medal: it is a test of the philosophy that coach Kim Sang-sik steadfastly pursues.