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The interim Spanish coach of the South Korean national football team, Robert Moreno, said yesterday that he wants to make the country's football fans "happy" following a disastrous World Cup and a series of controversial issues that damaged the team's image.
Moreno, the former Spain coach, will take charge of South Korea in friendly matches over the coming months, after having been forced earlier this year to deny reports that he used the "ChatGPT" program to prepare for matches.
The South Korean Football Association stated that Moreno may continue in his position during the Asian Cup scheduled in Saudi Arabia next January and February, "subject to evaluation."
Moreno called up captain Heung-min Son to his squad for the upcoming four home friendlies, affirming his desire to bring a smile back to the faces of South Korean fans.
The 48-year-old coach, the first Spaniard to manage South Korea, said: "We will try to do our job honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy."
He added, "Providing good matches, and trying to help the players."
Moreno will lead the national team in two matches against Ecuador and Uruguay this September, followed by Venezuela and Uzbekistan next October.
The South Korean national team has been without a coach since Myung-bo Hong resigned following their shock exit from the group stage of the World Cup in North America in June.
Hong's resignation did not calm fans' anger over the disappointing campaign, but rather increased existing questions about the manner in which he was appointed.
Last month, police raided the headquarters of the South Korean football association as part of an investigation into Hong's appointment in 2024.
The association also issued an apology over allegations of providing sexual entertainment services to foreign referees.
Moreno selected forward Son, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC in the American League, in his first squad list, alongside Kang-in Lee, player for Spanish club Atlético Madrid, and Min-jae Kim, defender for German club Bayern Munich.
Hong's decision to keep Son on the bench during the first half of the crucial match against South Africa in the World Cup had sparked bewilderment and anger among many fans.
Moreno said: "We all realize how versatile Son's roles are. For me, he can play in three positions."
Moreno also touched upon the allegations about his use of artificial intelligence during his tenure supervising Russian club Sochi.
Moreno left the top-flight team in September 2025 after a string of poor results, while reports indicated that he relied heavily on artificial intelligence "ChatGPT" in his work, even in selecting prospective players to sign.
Moreno described those reports as "completely incorrect information that spread widely."
He said: "Obviously, I use technology."
He added, "Anyone who spends ten minutes checking the matter will realize that everything was taken out of context and put together in a way aimed at causing harm."
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