The Disciplinary Committee of the Korean Football Association (KFA) officially decided to suspend Shin’s coaching license for all domestic activities early this month after a video of the slapping was leaked to the public, prompting the player, Jung Seung-hyun, to accuse Shin of assault.
The Sports Ethics Center under the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reviewed the case and determined that heavy disciplinary action must be taken due to the serious nature of the incident.
Shin had lightly slapped Jung on the face during his first day in charge of Ulsan HD in August 2025, as he was greeting the squad and shaking hands with players, Chosun reported.
The 55-year-old coach previously defended his actions, claiming that the light slap was merely a gesture of affection upon reuniting with his former player.
The 31-year-old center-back used to play under Shin for the South Korea national team.
“Even if the person inflicting it thinks it is not assault or sexual violence, if the recipient considers it to be assault, then it is,” Jung said after the final match of last season, as quoted by SBS News. “Not only I, but other players share the same thought.”
A video showing coach Shin Tae-yong slapping Jung Seung-hyun on the face as he was greeting players at Ulsan HD.
The slapping incident cut Shin’s tenure at Ulsan HD short, as he was dismissed just 65 days after taking the job from the club’s former manager Kim Pan-gon.
Shin’s time at the club was also marked with poor on-field results and conflicts with his players regarding his communication style and coaching methods, South Korea media reported.
While the KFA declined to publicly disclose the exact details of the suspension to privacy regulations, Channel Athe first news outlet to report on the story, revealed the ban could last up to 10 years or even permanently.
The outlet also reached out to Shin for his perspective on the ruling. The veteran manager said that he intends to bear the consequences, though he is exploring the possibility of filing an appeal.
“There are many aspects where I feel things are unfair. I want to tell the truth, but if I speak out, my players might be hurt. The atmosphere in Korean football isn’t good either,” he told Channel A.
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Coach Shin Tae-yong arrives at the headquarters of Indonesian club Persija Jakarta on June 25, 2026. Photo by Persija Jakarta |
Public opinion across South Korea remains divided on the true intention behind Shin’s actions.
Some fans and commentators argue that the slap was far too gentle to be considered assault, pointing out that the defender sustained no physical injury. Others view the interaction as a customary and outdated display between a coach and a close player.
However, many have voiced strong opposition against any form of physical contact.
“The main issue is the nature of the action, not the level,” a user wrote. “We need to consider the humiliation Jung Seung-hyun felt in front of his teammates. A coach who uses violence should not be allowed to coach any team.”
The KFA’s ruling does not affect Shin’s international career. He is currently in Indonesia, where he manages Persija Jakarta under a three-year contract set to expire in June 2029.
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