South Korea’s new interim coach Robert Moreno is facing a major challenge: restoring confidence in a national team that has endured a disappointing World Cup campaign and a series of controversies.

The Spanish coach has now addressed one of the unusual stories surrounding his career — allegations that he relied on ChatGPT for football decisions while coaching Russian club Sochi.

Moreno, 48, was introduced as South Korea’s interim coach on Monday and said his immediate objective was to give supporters something to be proud of again. He is the first Spaniard to take charge of South Korea’s senior men’s national team.

“We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” Moreno said.

He will lead South Korea in four home friendly matches, beginning with Ecuador and Uruguay in September before matches against Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. The Korea Football Association has indicated that Moreno could remain in charge for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January and February, but that decision will depend on an evaluation of his performance.

Moreno has also brought captain Son Heung-min back into the squad. The former Tottenham star, now playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, was joined in the squad by Atletico Madrid's Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.
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Son’s selection is particularly significant for supporters after former coach Hong Myung-bo's controversial decision to leave him on the bench during the first half of South Korea’s decisive World Cup match against South Africa. The decision frustrated many fans.

Moreno said he understood Son’s importance and versatility.

“We’re all aware of Son’s versatility,” he said. “For me he can play in three positions.”

South Korea has been without a permanent coach since Hong resigned following the team's shock group-stage elimination from the World Cup in North America in June.

Hong’s departure did not end the controversy surrounding the national team. Public criticism had already been growing over the circumstances of his appointment in 2024, while police raided KFA headquarters last month as part of an investigation into the appointment.

The federation has also faced another damaging controversy after apologising over allegations that sexual entertainment was provided for foreign referees.

Against that backdrop, Moreno's appointment comes with pressure to stabilise the team and repair its relationship with supporters.

The coach also directly addressed reports that he used artificial intelligence while managing Sochi, where he left in September 2025 following a poor run of results.

Reports had alleged that Moreno relied heavily on ChatGPT, including in decisions involving potential signings. Moreno rejected the allegations and described the story as false.

“It’s a piece of news that is completely false and went viral,” he said.
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“Obviously I use technology.”

Moreno added that the claims had been taken out of context and presented in a way intended to damage him. His comments make clear that while he acknowledges using technology, he disputes the claim that ChatGPT was used as a substitute for football decision-making.

His first task with South Korea will now be on the pitch, where supporters will judge whether he can help the team recover from its difficult World Cup experience.

For Moreno, the message is simple: rebuild the team, restore trust and give South Korean fans something to smile about again.