Kim Pan-gon Returns to Malaysia, Trains Selangor FC who were defeated by Persib Bandung

JAKARTA - Kim Pan-gon resumed his career as a coach after being fired by Ulsan HD. Now he has moved to Malaysia as the new coach of Selangor FC.

The announcement of Kim Pan-gon's joining Selangor was made on Monday, January 5, 2026, local time.

The presence of Kim Pan-gon at Selangor FC replaces the position of the chair which was previously filled by the interim coach, Christophe Gamel, who has now switched positions as Technical Director.

"With Kim Pan-gon's extensive experience and impressive track record, the club is confident that he will carry out his responsibilities as head coach of the Red Giants' first team successfully and bring Selangor to greater achievements," said the club's official statement. reported on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

For the Malaysian public, Kim Pan-gon is not a stranger. The 56-year-old coach has coached the Malaysian National Team (Timnas) for two years.

Kim Pan-gon managed to lead the Malay Tigers to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup for the first time since 1980. A feat was also carved out in the group stage when Malaysia managed to hold South Korea to a 3-3 draw.

However, Kim Pan-gon decided to step down from the position of Malaysia coach on July 16, 2024. His decision to step down was announced by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM).

Selangor is a participant club in the Malaysia Super League that is no stranger to Indonesian football lovers. The club nicknamed the Red Giants has been strengthened by several Indonesian players, such as Elie Aiboy, Bambang Pamungkas, Andik Vermansah, Evan Dimas, to Ilham Udin Armaiyn.

This season, Selangor debuted in the AFC Champions League Two (Asian Champions League), one group with Persib Bandung. Selangor twice defeated Persib with a score of 0-2 and 2-3.