South Korea interim coach, Robert Moreno, has said his immediate priority is to restore confidence among supporters after the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign and a series of controversies surrounding its football administration.
Moreno, the former Spain coach and the first Spaniard to take charge of South Korea, was appointed on an interim basis and will oversee four friendly matches in the coming months.
The Korea Football Association said his position could be extended to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January and February, subject to an evaluation.
The 48-year-old included captain Son Heung-min in his first squad and said he was determined to help lift the mood among South Korean fans.
The team will face Ecuador and Uruguay in September before taking on Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.
“We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” Moreno said.
“Good matches, and trying to help the players.”
Moreno also selected Atletico Madrid midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, while Son is now playing for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC.
Son’s omission from the starting line-up for the first half of South Korea’s decisive World Cup match against South Africa had drawn criticism from supporters.
“We’re all aware of Son’s versatility,” Moreno said. “For me he can play in three positions.”
Moreno was also questioned about reports that he had used artificial intelligence during his time as coach of Russian club Sochi.
He left the club in September 2025 after a poor run of results, amid reports that he had relied heavily on ChatGPT, including in decisions over potential signings.
Moreno dismissed the reports, describing them as false and misleading.
“a piece of news that is completely false and went viral”.
“Obviously I use technology,” he said.
“Anyone who spends 10 minutes looking into it can see that everything has been taken out of context and put together to cause harm.”
South Korea had been without a coach since Hong Myung-bo resigned following the team’s group-stage exit from the World Cup in North America in June.
His departure came amid continued public criticism over the campaign and questions surrounding his 2024 appointment, which is being investigated by police.
The KFA has also apologised over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees.
