Robert Moreno, South Korea’s new interim coach, wants to restore fans’ confidence after a poor World Cup campaign.
The team also faces several controversies that have angered supporters. Moreno said he hopes to bring joy back to South Korean football.
“We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” the 48-year-old said on Monday.
“Good matches, and trying to help the players.”
Moreno is the first Spaniard to coach South Korea. He will lead the team in four friendly matches over the next two months.
Moreno will lead South Korea against Ecuador and Uruguay in September. The team will then face Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.
The Korea Football Association said Moreno could remain in charge for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The tournament will run from January to February, subject to an evaluation.
South Korea had lacked a coach since Hong Myung-bo resigned after the team’s shock group-stage exit from the World Cup in North America in June.
Hong’s resignation did not end public anger. Instead, it raised fresh questions about his appointment in 2024.
Police raided the KFA headquarters last month. Authorities are investigating the process that led to Hong’s appointment.
The association also apologised over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees.
Moreno named captain Son Heung-min in his first squad. The selection also includes Atletico Madrid’s Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae.
Son now plays for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.
Many supporters criticised Hong’s decision to leave Son on the bench during the first half of South Korea’s decisive World Cup match against South Africa.
Moreno praised Son’s ability to play in different roles.
“We’re all aware of Son’s versatility,” Moreno said. “For me, he can play in three positions.”
The new coach also denied reports that he relied heavily on artificial intelligence during his time at Russian club Sochi.
Moreno left the top-flight side in September 2025 after a poor run of results. Reports later claimed he used ChatGPT to help choose between potential signings.
He called the reports “a piece of news that is completely false and went viral.”
“Obviously, I use technology,” Moreno 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.”
