Korean Football and the Weight of Leadership

— It Can No Longer Be Delayed

Korean football now stands at a crossroads of leadership. This is not merely a matter of performance or squad selection. It is a fundamental question about the mindset, philosophy, and leadership style of those who fail to read the times. Son Heung-min has played through injury and stood by the team even in defeat. But the leadership has stalled. What needs to be replaced now is not tactics—but leadership.

A Single Comment That Shattered Trust

Recently, head coach Hong Myung-bo’s remark—“I don’t really know, since I’ve never been a captain myself”—cannot be dismissed as a mere slip of the tongue. It reveals a lack of understanding of leadership and displays an attitude devoid of respect toward the players. The contradiction is even more striking given that it came from a coach who himself has experience as a captain.

Son Heung-min has served as the national team captain for the past seven years. He played through injuries, shouldered the burden of defeat alone, and built trust through actions rather than words. Undermining him is not simply about replacing a single player—it shakes the foundation of trust within the entire team.

The One Who Must Be Replaced Is Not the Player, But the Coach

The confusion currently facing Korean football is not a problem of the players. The times have changed, but the leadership remains stagnant. Today’s players are faster, more flexible, and have experienced a broader world. Those who have played on European stages and absorbed diverse cultures and tactical systems now demand teamwork and leadership that meet global standards.

However, the language and philosophy of some coaches remain stuck in the past. Leadership based on authority, one-sided instructions, and emotionally driven responses are increasingly misaligned with today’s players. Athletes who have experienced the global football landscape now call for leadership that reflects the changing times.

A Leader Must Be a Learner

A generational shift in leadership is not merely about age—it is a renewal of mindset and a redefinition of leadership. The attitude of “I know because I’ve done it” must give way to “I’m still learning too.” That is the posture that fits today’s era.

In the arts, a leader is not a controller who dictates outcomes, but a guide who opens the flow of creation. Football is no different. In an age where creativity and collaboration are key, the coach must no longer be a commander, but a coordinator.

It’s Not Just Words—Structures and Culture Must Change

Before reacting with anger to a coach’s words, we must examine the structures and culture that allowed those words to be spoken. How do we treat our leaders? How do we accept authority? From how we view football, to how we evaluate leadership, to how we respond to failure—these are the questions we must answer not with silence, but with reflection.

Leadership is not a title—it is a responsibility. More urgent than changing the captain is appointing a coach who truly understands and can shoulder that responsibility.

Changing the Leader Will Change the Game

One football fan’s comment—“It felt like watching a childish tantrum, like a baby craving attention”—is painful. But it is not mere criticism; it is a symbolic expression of how disconnected today’s leadership is from the times.

Football is not just a sport. It is a mirror of the era, a microcosm of society. The players are already changing. But the leadership remains stuck in the past. As a fan, I choose to break my silence. Now is the moment for the coach to respond—not with words, but with action.

Gyeongho Kang | Contemporary Artist