Bae Ji-won will take over from coach Vu Tien Thanh, who has been transferred to serve as technical director.

"I received an unexpected offer yesterday and couldn't refuse," Bae told VnExpress.

Coach Bae Ji-won (left) with Vietnam winning the AFF Cup 2018 at My Dinh stadium, Hanoi. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Born in 1963 in South Korea, Bae played and studied football in Germany. He began his coaching career at 28, holding all German Football Association coaching licenses. He completed his physical coaching certification at Kiel University Medical Center and his highest-level football coaching diploma at the German Sport University Cologne.

In 2002, Bae served as a physical coach for referees at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. His coaching career started at Seoul University, then moved to South Korean professional clubs such as Jeonbuk Hyundai, Busan Icons, Pohang Steelers, Ulsan Hyundai, and Gangwon. In 2005, he was an assistant coach and fitness coach for U19 Bournemouth in England.

In 2017, Bae Ji-won became the fitness coach for the Vietnam national team and U23 squad under coach Park Hang-seo, departing after winning the AFF Cup 2018. Subsequently, he worked in Hong Kong for two major clubs: Kitchee and Eastern. In 2022, he returned to Vietnam to work for The Cong Viettel, serving as interim coach for 6 months in late 2022 before leaving the team in December 2023.

Ninh Binh secured promotion to the V-League 2025-2026 after winning the First Division 2024-2025 undefeated. They showed strong form early in the season with an 11-match unbeaten streak, consistently leading the table.

However, after three consecutive losses in V-League rounds 12, 13, and 14, Ninh Binh dismissed Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo. Vu Tien Thanh was appointed interim coach, leading the team to two wins, one draw, and one loss in four matches, climbing to 3rd place in the V-League after 18 rounds.

Bae will make his return to Vietnamese football when Ninh Binh hosts PVF-CAND in round 19 on 18/4.