According to South Korean media, Jung Tae-se, a forward who represented North Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, has publicly stated that his long-term coaching goal is to become the head coach of the North Korean national team.

On December 13, Japanese media outlet Football Zone published an interview with Jung Tae-se, who recently began his coaching career at Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, a lower-division Japanese club. The article's headline reads: "A World Cup Warrior's Ambition – Returning to the Big Stage as North Korea's Head Coach."

According to the report, Jung Tae-se has been coaching Y.S.C.C. Yokohama since August of this year. During his playing career, he competed for clubs including Kawasaki Frontale, Shimizu S-Pulse, and Machida Zelvia, accumulating extensive experience in Japanese football before retiring and beginning his coaching journey.

Jung Tae-se stated: "I pursue a football philosophy centered on high pressing. In my view, the football approach closest to winning is Jürgen Klopp's style. High defensive pressing, regaining possession quickly, and then rapidly pushing the ball vertically to attack—I believe this is the most realistic tactical approach."

However, he added: "Most coaches have an ideal playing style, but it's not always achievable. It would be easy if you had all top-class players, but if you don't, you must think about how to use the squad you have."

He also actively leverages his experience as a striker. Jung Tae-se said: "I was originally a forward, and the area where I can contribute is finishing ability. The players have great potential, and I believe how much they can develop depends on me."

After gradually building coaching experience, his ultimate goal remains the North Korean national team.

Jung Tae-se stated: "I have a big dream—to continuously accumulate experience and then participate in the World Cup as head coach of the North Korean national team."

The World Cup holds special significance for Jung Tae-se. He participated in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as a player for the North Korean national team. At that time, North Korea was in the "Group of Death" with Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast.

Brazil had Kaká, Portugal had Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ivory Coast had Didier Drogba. North Korea lost all three matches and was eliminated in the group stage, but Jung Tae-se directly faced some of the world's best players on the World Cup stage.

Notably, before the first match against Brazil, Jung Tae-se's emotional reaction—tears streaming down his face during the North Korean national anthem—became one of the most iconic moments of that tournament. Sixteen years later, Jung Tae-se expressed his desire to experience that journey again, this time as head coach.

Of course, Jung Tae-se is also aware of the practical difficulties. He said: "As a Zainichi Korean living in Japan, I grew up in Japan and have also lived in South Korea. For someone like me to become the head coach of the North Korean national team is extremely difficult, and I'm well aware of that."

He then laughed: "In the past, I caused all sorts of trouble, and I even obtained a South Korean passport. If I were to become North Korea's head coach, those involved would probably find it completely absurd."

He stated: "What matters most is overwhelming results. If I can coach a J1 team and win the championship, then perhaps someone will take notice of me."

Jung Tae-se also recognizes that North Korea's current selection process for head coach doesn't easily open doors to outside candidates. North Korea traditionally prioritizes selecting players and coaches from military-affiliated teams before assigning them to the national team. However, he believes the reported connection between coach Kim Jong-song, who is also a Zainichi Korean, and the North Korean national team demonstrates the possibility of change.

Jung Tae-se emphasizes that rather than focusing on the North Korean national team position right now, it's better to do well in his current role. He said: "When I was a young player, I was too ambitious and suffered from being unrealistic. Now I understand that giving my best in the present is ultimately the fastest shortcut."

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