The secret behind Coach Kim Sang-sik's ring and his 'lucky' shirt

Following the SEA Games 33 gold medal victory with U22 Vietnam, seemingly minor details outside the pitch about Coach Kim Sang-sik unexpectedly became a focal point.

The thrilling win against U22 Thailand in the SEA Games 33 final not only concluded a memorable journey for U22 Vietnam but also sparked an interesting story about Coach Kim Sang-sik. Throughout the tournament, the image of the Korean coach standing calmly by the sidelines, wearing a black ring on his pinky finger and his signature black polo shirt, intrigued fans.

Recently, Coach Park Hang-seo personally “decoded” the mystery of the ring that netizens jokingly call the “feng shui” ring. On his personal page, Coach Park congratulated Kim Sang-sik on the SEA Games 33 gold medal and revealed for the first time the origin of this special item. Coach Park Hang-seo shared: “I hope the ring I gave Coach Kim will always bring him peace of mind and good luck in upcoming tournaments.”

Coach Park’s confirmation immediately drew attention, as previously the black ring on Coach Kim Sang-sik’s hand had become a hot topic. To fans, it was more than just a simple accessory; it was linked to the bold yet effective substitution decisions made by the Korean coach.

In the SEA Games 33 final, when the match grew intense, Coach Kim Sang-sik repeatedly brought on substitutes like Thái Sơn, Thanh Nhàn, and Văn Thuận. These tactical changes contributed to the decisive goal that helped U22 Vietnam beat Thailand 3-2 in extra time. Earlier, many seemingly risky personnel choices by Coach Kim Sang-sik had instantly paid off, helping Vietnam turn the tide at critical moments.

Not only the ring, but the black polo shirt that Coach Kim Sang-sik often wears during important matches also caught fans’ attention. On social media, many supporters jokingly call it his “lucky shirt” or even the Korean strategist’s “black dragon robe.”

The coincidence became even more interesting when, before the SEA Games 33 final, Coach Kim Sang-sik wore the same shirt during the ASEAN Cup final earlier this year at Rajamangala Stadium. At that time, Vietnam also defeated Thailand 3-2 to claim the championship. Despite losing Xuân Son early due to injury, Coach Kim Sang-sik remained composed and made tactical adjustments that helped Vietnam secure the victory.

For Coach Kim Sang-sik, the ring is not merely a spiritual or feng shui item but also a source of mental support, symbolizing the encouragement and trust from his predecessor Park Hang-seo. This gift acts as a link between two generations of Korean coaches, helping Kim Sang-sik stay strong amid the heavy pressure of leading Vietnamese football.