Professional Documents
Culture Documents
KUKKIWON Screen
KUKKIWON Screen
ISSUE
20 Taekwondo Training for the Silver Generation:
Fight Aging and Boost Self-Esteem
PEOPLE
34 Grand Master Cho, Young ki
Beyond Korea, Into the World of Taekwondo
SPECIAL INTERVIEW
38 Lee, Sung woo, President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
“Transforming the World Taekwondo Hanmadang with Practical Taekwondo”
HISTORY
58 Historical Figures <3> The Master of Taekwondo Administration, the
late Uhm, Woon kyu, former President of Kukkiwon
The Main Contributor to the Globalization of Taekwondo as the
10 Right-hand Man of Kim, Un yong
2 3
TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
SPECIAL REPORT
Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
TAEKWONDO
Combat Taekwondo - A Path Back to Practicality
2023 VOL. 3
Reopening Issue 24 Breathing Life into ‘Combat Taekwondo’ and ‘Practical Taekwondo’ with
(Volume 22, Number 3) Proven Utility Value
October - December, 2023
TAEKWONDO
“Highly Popular Combat Taekwondo: A Significant Contribution
Contents
to the Promotion of Korean Traditional Culture”
TAEKWONDO
As Training Progresses.”
TOPIC TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
40 Taekwondo, The Original K-Culture Platform
66
PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage of Taekwondo Dojangs <3>
TAEKWONDO
TAEKWONDO
Adults Specilized Dojang, Dodam Taekwondo
Until the Day Every Adult Enjoys Health and Happiness
TAEKWONDO
EDUCATION
70 A Proposal for the Objective, Logical, and Systematic Establishment
of the Philosophy of Taekwondo
TAEKWONDO
72 Dojang Must Survive for Taekwondo To Survive <3>
Competitiveness in Taekwondo Dojangs!
A Systematic Strategy Meeting System for Specialization
Table of
Commitment to Execution Trumps Presentation
52 COLUMN ①
53 COLUMN ②
Family & Credit The Future of Taekwondo Lies in AI and Innovative Integration
Publisher Kukkiwon Chairman of the Board
54 PICTORIALNESS Tracing the 50-Year Journey of Kukkiwon <3>
Jeon, Kab kil
2010s: Expanding Taekwondo Dojangs in Korea and Abroad
Editor Kukkiwon Chairman
-in-chief Lee, Dong sup
Jung, Kook hyun (Professor at the Korea 88 TAEKWONDO WORLD News From Around The World
National Sport University)
Published Kukkiwon
by
Address 32, Teheran-ro 7-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, CALENDAR
Republic of Korea
96 Major Events (October-December)
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6 7
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
Women’s Taekwondo
as a Pathway to Recovery
and Expansion,
Lighting the Way
Forward With
Inclusion and
Integration
Text by Choe, Kyoo sup (Head of Editorial Board)
Photo by Kukkiwon
8 9
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
Women’s Taekwondo, pic sport, the pursuit shifted from “softness” to “strength.” This
is an inherent limitation faced by all Olympic sports, including
A Guiding Light for Taekwondo. Due to the environment that advocates for stronger
Taekwondo, there have been ongoing concerns that the martial
the Development of World Taekwondo spirit of Taekwondo is fading. Among various avenues to secure
the martial spirit of Taekwondo, women’s Taekwondo can pro-
vide a shortcut. As women inherently embody softness and flex-
Text by Ryu, Jeong ae (Professor of Physical Education, Chung-Ang University)
ibility, women’s Taekwondo can act as a catalyst to remind us of
Photo by Kukkiwon
the essence of Taekwondo and its most beautiful martial spirit
that we might have momentarily forgotten.
10 11
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
Recently, there has been a disturbing surge in violent crimes targeting women. Compounding societal con-
cerns, recent data from the National Statistical Office revealed that South Korea’s total fertility rate in the
second quarter of 2023 dipped to a concerning 0.6%, leading to dire predictions of a potential 'national
extinction.’ These pressing social issues have positive and negative implications for the Taekwondo in- The case for the Kukkiwon to take the lead in advancing women’s Taekwondo empowerment is gaining traction. At the opening ceremony of the 2023 Kukkiwon
Taekwondo Hanmaeum Grand Festival, a female Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration team member demonstrated an impressive three-step spinning kick.
dustry. Incidents of violent crimes occurring in broad daylight have eroded trust in the social safety net,
underscoring the importance of self-defense as a “survival strategy.” Additionally, the declining birth rate,
which evokes the feeling that the country is on the brink of disappearing, is closely linked to the closure of
Taekwondo centers. This underscores that South Korea remains a challenging place for women to live. Ulti- Table 2. Percentage of Female Managers in South Korean Taekwondo Dojangs way to those aspiring to be part of these teams.
mately, creating a safe environment for women and fostering a conducive atmosphere for their well-being However, looking at the gender ratio in most demonstration
Total(Domestic) Female Female Percentage(%)
is intrinsically tied to the revitalization of Taekwondo education. teams, women barely constitute 10%. Undoubtedly, under the
9,693 448 4.6%
premise that there are gender differences, both sparring and
poomsae select and allow the participation of men and women
equally. On the other hand, Taekwondo demonstration teams,
will naturally establish a foundation for adult Taekwondo ac-
aiming to showcase the flashy techniques and performances of
Revitalizing Adult Taekwondo? Table 1. Percentage of Women Certified as International Taekwondo tivation.
Master Instructors
Taekwondo, predominantly select men over women.
Securing Female Practitioners is the Shortcut! Looking at the domestic Taekwondo dojang managers, only
Most sports aim to acknowledge gender differences and strive
Among Taekwondo practitioners, the proportion of women about 4.6% are women (Table 2). Compared to the popula-
Instructor
Domestic Female
Female to expand women’s participation in sports. The Kukkiwon is
stands at about 20%. Increasing the number of female practi- certification Rate(%) tion ratio in Korea, female Taekwondo managers still need to
the heart of Taekwondo, a sport with a global presence. Efforts
tioners to revitalize adult Taekwondo could be a driving force 1 degree 646 22 3.4% improve. Of course, most Taekwondo dojangs employ female
to empower women in Taekwondo should be proactive, start-
for the future development of the sport. In South Korea, the instructors. However, the educational objectives, philosophies,
2 degree 2,564 147 5.7% ing with the Kukkiwon.
male-female population ratio is 49.84% male and 50.16% fe- and training systems of Taekwondo gyms vary depending on
3 degree 54,641 6,512 12%
male, meaning about half the population is female. Looking the manager’s inclinations. Thus, fostering female Taekwondo
at the current status of black belt examinations in Korea from leaders and managers is a crucial factor that should be consid-
January to July 2023, the percentage of female practitioners Promoting the Advancement of Women Professionals ered, as it naturally leads to securing more female Taekwondo
in Taekwondo schools is about 20%. However, a significant and Attracting Female Researchers students and continuous Taekwondo training.
decrease in female advanced masters from 6th Dan onwards Fights between women and men are violent. It is not just about
is interpreted as a break in training due to pregnancy and winning or losing; specialized Taekwondo training is necessary
childcare. This may be due to the lack of training environment, for survival. In other words, self-defense training is essential. It The Need for a Strong Foundation of
space, and programs during pregnancy and childcare. aims to understand the environment, quickly recognize dan- Female Taekwondo Athletes
The discontinuation of Taekwondo training among women ap- gerous situations, and train for scenarios such as sense, de- As the home of Taekwondo and a global sport, Korea’s Tae-
pears in statistics similar to the proportion of females with 1st fense, response, running, and falling. The goal of training and kwondo stands out in various fields, such as etiquette, humil-
to 3rd-degree instructor certifications from Kukkiwon (Table 1). education should be the ‘wise self-defense’ considering vari- ity, and spiritual cultivation. Over the years, it has expanded
Looking in detail, 3rd-degree instructors (4th Dan or high- ous potential threats. into culture, arts, and performance. Beginning with the global-
er, aged 22 or older) account for 12%. However, 2nd-degree In cases of sexual assault, the Sunflower Center protects wom- ization of sparring in 1973, the poomsae have grown relative-
instructors (6th Dan or higher, aged 30 or older) make up a en, ensuring they adapt well to society post-crime, from the ly equally between men and women. Furthermore, breaking,
mere 5.7%. These numbers showcase women’s societal and point of report to judgment and treatment. This protection which directly connects to culture, art, and performance, is
economic challenges in continuing Taekwondo training, espe- spans female police officers, lawyers, and nurses to doctors. more influential in team events than individual ones. Accord-
cially amid marriage, pregnancy, and childcare. Research must Similarly, in Taekwondo, continuous research, education, and ingly, most Taekwondo departments operate demonstra-
be undertaken to explore environmental, policy-driven, and leadership training efforts should be poured into by psycholo- tion teams, promoting Taekwondo and generating revenue
systemic solutions that will enable women who've halted their gists, educational experts, and self-defense experts to expand through Taekwondo demonstration performances. Notably, Taekwondo is gaining popularity as a smart self-defense martial art for
women. At the Taekwondo Hanmaeum Grand Festival in March, a female
training to continue practicing Taekwondo throughout their the base for female Taekwondo practitioners. Increasing the the demonstration teams operated by Kukkiwon, World Tae- Taekwondo practitioner smashed 11 marbles with her fists, reminding us
lives. participation and activities of female Taekwondo practitioners kwondo, and the Korea Taekwondo Association are like a gate- of the power of the sport.
12 13
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
‘Passionate Woman’
Lim, Mi hwa:
Love Affair with
Taekwondo Over 40 Years ❶ ❷
14 15
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women in Taekwondo
Women's Taekwondo Diary ➊ Women's Taekwondo Diary ➋ monthly regular grading exams are a time to review what’s been
learned and to challenge the next goal. Students take exams for
“Practicing Taekwondo “Taekwondo is the nourish- their growth, not to compete with others. So, if someone makes a
mistake during an exam, everyone encourages them to try again
not only eases physical ment for self-growth, and succeed. Such moments always touch my heart.
It might sound a bit cheesy to write down, but it makes me think,
tension but also lightens training together for mental “This is how we should live together; we have warm hearts.” I’m
grateful for the master and fellow students who share this journey
the heart.” and physical maturity.” with me.
“Training for one's growth and supporting each other for mutual
growth.” This is the spirit of Taekwondo. Ultimately, Taekwondo
Text by Shin, Hyo jung (Housewife) Photo by Kukkiwon Text by Moon, Mi so (Office Worker) Photo by Kukkiwon might be more than just a sport; it might be a path to becoming
a better adult. I hope many more people experience Taekwondo
and its benefits of correct thinking, a bright heart, and a healthy
body. Today, once again, I head to the dojang with an excited
heart.
When I share that I'm learning Taekwondo as a middle-aged “Taekwondo? The one kids do?” This is what most people say
woman, I'm often met with surprised faces asking, "How did when I tell them I practice Taekwondo. Taekwondo is still per-
you start practicing? I’ve prioritized joy, entertainment, and ceived as a sport for children. Adult dojangs are indeed rare. But
meaningful endeavors throughout my life. Before embark- after a year and a half of training, I’ve realized that Taekwondo is
ing on my Taekwondo journey, I spent a lot of time pondering a sport anyone can enjoy and a way to cultivate the “right mind, a
which exercise would suit me. It’s fun to learn new things. And bright heart, and a healthy body.”
I thought using my body instead of my mind would be more
fun. I wanted to do an exercise that would take care of my phys-
ical and mental health together. Thus, Taekwondo, which pre-
dominantly required bodily movements and seemed to calm Taekwondo is, above all, fun. Between stretching, fitness
the mind with focused actions, resonated deeply with me. training, fundamental skills, poosae, and kicks, a 50-min-
Taekwondo, indeed, has allowed me to enjoy learning new ute class feels incredibly short. My favorite part is hitting the
things. The adult class meets every evening at 8 p.m., which mitt. When you yell and kick the mitt with a “bang, bang!”
makes the 60-minute workout feel like six minutes. It was just the day’s stress disappears.
as exciting and enjoyable. After warming up with basic stretch-
es and being taught and practicing a mix of grappling, fighting,
kicking, and striking, the 60 minutes flew by. I realized how much
I love kicking. I didn’t know there were so many types of kicks: Fundamental moves and Poomsae have their unique charm. If
front, back, side, spinning, back, spinning, and spinning kicks, kicking the mitt feels like a refreshing soda, then the basics and
time to focus entirely on the body’s movement. The art empha-
Poomsae taste different. Focusing on refining each move, my cha-
and I especially love the dynamic 540-degree kick. sizes relaxation, contraction, balance, and strategic distancing
otic mind settles. Mastering a challenging activity brings a sense
from opponents, leading to natural self-control. In doing so, my
of achievement.
mind is free of distractions, and my body and mind are calm.
Taekwondo also develops many different physical abilities.
Controlling your body helps you manage your mind. We've all
Through various kicks like front, downward, spinning, side kicks,
experienced the tension that builds up in our minds at work
At first, I started Taekwondo because I wanted to use my and stances like ready, forward, and backward, the hip joint be-
or home, and when it’s transferred to our bodies, our primal
body, but as I learned, I realized that Taekwondo is also comes flexible, strengthening the thighs, buttocks, and core mus-
emotions and behaviors take over. With its genuine kicks and
cles. I used to be quite stiff, but after a year and a half of Taekwon-
about using your head. It's not just about being smart. punches, Taekwondo provides an outlet for bodily tension and
do, I can now do an almost 180-degree split. My body has toned
induces mental tranquility. Intriguingly, as the physical stress dis-
up overall. I used to get winded easily, but consistent running in
sipates, one's mind broadens, often revealing uncharted paths.
the dojang has improved my cardiovascular stamina. Recognizing
Learning Taekwondo helps me to have a balanced “right mind,” a
this healthier version of myself brings more joy to training.
You have to memorize the forms, and the kicks and fights are “big heart,” and a “healthy body,” just like the chi at our “Naracha”
Another advantage of Taekwondo is its well-structured promo-
very demanding, requiring both physical and cognitive coor- dojoang, which we chant at the end of every class. Every night, I
tion system. Belts in various colors, such as white, yellow, blue,
dination. This is why I have the utmost respect for my teachers. am equipped with a new body and mind for tomorrow. Here’s to
and red, act as motivations to work toward the next goal. The
Above all, the most meaningful part of the training is that it is a flying high with every kick!
16 17
COVER STORY A New Wave, Women’s Taekwondo
I met Lee, Eun ji, the master of Taekwon Soop, a specialist in teaching the first “Girl’s Taekwondo” in
Korea. When I visited the dojang for the interview at 3:30 PM, the energetic cries of kihap filled the
room. As expected, Master Lee had a determined presence. Throughout the interview, she came
across as a leader who felt that only teaching girls Taekwondo was too limiting. The dojang oper-
ated on a well-organized and disciplined system. Master Lee, who chose the unusual path of “Girls’
Taekwondo,” had aspirations to expand her student base to include adult women. Let’s explore the
world of girls’ Taekwondo. Master Lee, Eun ji (far right in the back row) poses with the young female trainees—the warmth of the Taekwondo Soop family.
2. Emotional Stability
Being a girl doesn’t inherently cause more anxiety or sensitivity. high school, juggling academics and Taekwondo. Though not
Fears arise from a lack of experience. By practicing Taekwondo, an athlete and without aspirations to major in Taekwondo, she
they gain stability and build confidence through diverse back- stated that Taekwondo at the Taekwon Soop helped relieve her
grounds, enabling them to respond to school or daily situations academic stress. This year, she was admitted to a prestigious uni-
without relying on others. versity, E University, and aims to achieve her 4th Dan.
18 19
ISSUE
Taekwondo Training for the Silver Generation: Master Park, Je cheol, who teaches Taekwondo to these nearly
30 members twice a week, said, “Through various Taekwondo
Boost Self-Esteem
dementia.”
In September 2016, in Muju, North Jeolla Province, the Silver Tae-
kwondo Cultural and Performance Demonstration Team was es-
tablished as a non-profit private organization with the approval In March 2016, founding members of the Korea Silver Taekwondo
of the Jeonbuk Provincial Office. With an average age of 76, this Federation gathered after a meeting. Ⓒ TaekwonBox Media
demonstration team, comprising about 20 dan-holders, aims to
promote health through Taekwondo.
In Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, about 80 members of a com-
munity sports Silver Taekwondo class comprised individuals zations. Silver Taekwondo is being practiced in over 30 locations
Text by Seo, Sung won (Editorial Board Member) aged 65 and above. The Taekwondo class is held three times a nationwide. We plan to hold one seminar and two tournaments
week. Considering the age of the seniors, half of the exercise time in the future.”
is dedicated to stretching, after which they proceed with basic After the first tournament in 2018, the 2nd KTA President’s Cup
With the increasing elderly population, South Korea has already entered an ‘aged society.’ As the Baby Boomer gen-
Taekwondo movements and patterns. National Silver Taekwondo Competition was held at the Kuk-
eration (born between 1955 and 1963) ages, it is predicted that by 2025, the proportion of people aged 65 and older
The Silver Taekwondo Club operated by the Bukgu Senior Wel- kiwon in May 2019. Hosted by the Korean Taekwondo Associa-
will reach 20%. In response to this societal trend, there’s a growing interest in “Silver Taekwondo.” “Silver” in English
fare Center in Ulsan Metropolitan City is also noteworthy. Found- tion (President Yang, Jin bang) and managed by the KTA Silver
refers to the color silver (銀), and as people age, their hair turns silver-white, leading to the use of ‘silver’ in terms related
ed in 2012 to enhance the health of local seniors, this club started Committee, the event saw participation from over 500 Silver Tae-
to older people. Therefore, Silver Taekwondo means Taekwondo practiced by those 65 years and older. It’s actively
with 30 members and has now grown to over 120. kwondo enthusiasts aged 60 and above.
recommended for elderly health promotion and leisure activities, primarily by local self-governing bodies, senior wel-
The Eumseong County Health Center in North Chungcheong However, there are many challenges to address if we wish to
fare centers, sports organizations, and health centers. Various studies have shown that when older people consistently
Province has been operating a Silver Taekwondo health class for lay a sustainable foundation for the continued growth of Silver
practice Taekwondo, they can experience positive physiological changes in their bodies, prevent aging, enhance their
older people in collaboration with Gangdong University since Taekwondo. Firstly, Silver Taekwondo tournaments, suspended
self-esteem, and increase leisure satisfaction. This recognition of its benefits is leading to the widespread adoption of
January 2015. Recently, they held an opening ceremony for the due to the COVID-19 pandemic, must be resumed. When strate-
Silver Taekwondo.
Vascular Robust Health Centennial Silver Taekwondo program, gies for promoting Silver Taekwondo were raised during the KTA
aiming to manage and prevent cerebrovascular diseases. regular general meeting in January 2021, President Yang said,
Furthermore, the Senior Welfare Center in Gwangsan-gu, “First, we will grasp the overall facts and statistics related to Sil-
Gwangju Metropolitan City, operates a ’Proud Silver Taekwondo ver Taekwondo and then devise a plan for its promotion.” But so
Class’ twice a week. In addition, various facilities like the Jorye far, significant progress has yet to be made. Fortunately, there’s a
Welfare Center in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province; Hope Senior glimmer of hope as the Incheon Metropolitan City Taekwondo
The Current State of Silver Taekwondo Welfare Center in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province; Comprehensive Se- Association plans to resume the temporarily halted Silver Tae-
Where is Silver Taekwondo primarily practiced? Let’s take a clos- nior Welfare Center in Dalseo-gu, Daegu; Comprehensive Senior kwondo tournaments before winter.
er look. In 2014, the Mansu 2-dong in Namdong-gu, Incheon, Welfare Center in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang For the revitalization of Silver Taekwondo, academic research
opened a Silver Taekwondo Classroom targeting older people. Province; Munsu Silver Welfare Center in Ulsan; Senior Welfare must also be supported. The study titled ’An Implementation
Conducted once a week, this class was designed to promote Center in Michuhol, Incheon; Gansuk 3-dong Community Center Study for the Development of a Silver Taekwondo Program,’ pub-
healthy and happy leisure activities for the growing elderly pop- in Incheon; and the Health Center in Ilsan Seo-gu, Gongyang City, lished by Im, Jin seon, Kim, Young hoon, and Choi, Dong hoon in
ulation, teaching them basic physical exercises, joint movements, Gyeonggi Province are also operating Silver Taekwondo classes the 43rd Volume, Issue 4 of the Korean Leisure Recreation Journal
self-defense techniques, and health-oriented Taekwondo. This to enhance seniors’ physical activity and balance senses. in 2019, carries significant implications for the Taekwondo aca-
was rooted in the belief that Taekwondo training can effectively demic community. To develop a Taekwondo training program
prevent osteoporosis and dementia. Strategies for Promoting Silver Taekwondo for seniors, it’s imperative to comprehend the physical and phys-
In April of the same year, the Manwol Welfare Center in Nam- In line with the nationwide expansion of Silver Taekwondo, the iological traits of the elderly. Furthermore, scientific research is
dong-gu, Incheon, began its Silver Taekwondo program. Master Korean Silver Taekwondo Federation (President Kim, Yong hwi) necessary to determine how movements like kicking, striking,
Kim, Young soo said, “Through the regular program, we focus was officially established in 2016. President Kim said, “We aim to and punching can be beneficial and contribute to their overall
Members of the Namdong-gu, Incheon Silver Taekwondo Association are
on physical training and emphasize etiquette, engaging in both training in Taekwondo. Ⓒ Korea Sports & Olympic Committee promote Silver Taekwondo by expanding our affiliated organi- health.
20 21
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
“At its core, Taekwondo is a martial art.” Is this statement true? and identity are gaining traction. Reviving this practical facet
Indeed, it is. Even if its essence might have diminished due to is an imperative every Taekwondo enthusiast should earnestly
the shift towards sports, it remains an integral concept. The reflect upon. This backdrop is why ‘Combat Taekwondo’ stands
intrinsic value of practical Taekwondo, somewhat overshad- in the spotlight.
owed by the prevailing wave of sports Taekwondo, demands
rejuvenation. The structured adaptation of sports Taekwondo Remarkably, Combat Taekwondo boasts a 60-year lineage.
adversely affects the quest for practicality in martial arts Tae- Since its inception by the U.S. 7th Division in Korea in 1963, it
kwondo. We need to recognize this overextension of change has firmly anchored its principles and evolved steadily. Its im-
and seek remedies. portance is escalating as a method for overpowering adver-
saries and safeguarding oneself in battle scenarios. Combat
How is Taekwondo perceived today? On the exterior, it's so- Taekwondo symbolizes a 'behavioral mode' that amalgamates
lidified its role as a pivotal entity within the global martial arts Taekwondo's essence and techniques. It epitomizes spiritual re-
realm. The expansion of WT (World Taekwondo), boasting the finement and offense/defense strategies, manifesting as a pro-
most member nations (213+1) worldwide, attests to this growth. active 'combat blueprint' for survival during exigent conflicts.
Indeed, its outreach is commendable. Yet, there are undeniable
challenges on the inside, making the current state hard to over- In today's warfare, state-of-the-art armaments are at the fore-
look. The tribulations experienced by practical Taekwondo, front. Yet, their effectiveness is inherently contingent upon the
caught in the whirlwind of Taekwondo's dazzling evolution, individual soldier wielding them. For humans, mental resilience
evoke a sense of melancholy. plays a pivotal role. It becomes even more vital for those sol-
diers whose training encompasses life-threatening scenarios.
Within the Olympics, Taekwondo has continually reinforced its Robust mental stability is paramount for them. This significance
central stature. From its inauguration as a demonstration sport is why Combat Taekwondo, a fusion of Taekwondo's spirit and
in Seoul 1988, its elevation to an official event in Sydney 2000, the military ethos, holds such allure. The practicality of Combat
to its acknowledgment as a core sport in 2013, its progression Taekwondo is universally acknowledged, solidifying its indis-
has been seamless. Yet, paradoxically, it found itself ensnared pensable nature.
in the derision of being labeled “foot fencing.” The dependence
on electronic scoring gear, which prioritizes fair judgment of
victory, inadvertently led to a discernible decline in practicality.
22 23
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
24 25
Kukkiwon Embarks on Spreading Combat Taekwondo international students, and foreign workers. Fifty-six active in-
Under the Name of Practical Taekwondo structors cater to the U.S. military, international students, and
Combat Taekwondo was developed and disseminated to the foreign workers.
U.S. military stationed in Korea in the 2000s by Master Kim.
However, the Korean army only conducted training for acquir- What is the Role of Combat Taekwondo
ing Taekwondo certifications and did not propagate it as a in Practical Taekwondo?
real-life combat technique. Since 2017, Kukkiwon has partic- “Currently, Taekwondo is a program for children and teenagers
ipated in the Taekwondo camp for the U.S. military in Korea, to obtain their rank and degree certifications. While develop-
run by the Ministry of National Defense. Consequently, Master ing Combat Taekwondo, I contemplated why the young adult
Kim's Combat Taekwondo is now being conducted as a part of generation is so passionate about the practical martial arts of
Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo dissemination project for foreigners UFC. I realized they desire to learn practical techniques they
in Korea. can watch, absorb, and use. Therefore, based on Taekwondo,
In particular, since Lee, Dong sup took office as the head of we’ve transformed underutilized hand techniques into offen-
Kukkiwon in 2021, Kukkiwon began to view and systemize sive techniques following defense and taught them. Although
Combat Taekwondo as a segment of practical Taekwondo that it’s called ‘Combat Taekwondo’ because it’s distributed in the
should be spread and supported alongside self-defense tech- military, we designed it as a technique that adults can learn
niques. While practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques with fun and interest. Fortunately, Kukkiwon has embraced it
are seen as essential for roles such as agents of the National as practical Taekwondo, and they are jointly researching and
Intelligence Service, the Presidential Security Service, and the developing it, soon to produce teaching materials. It’s not just
police, Kukkiwon believes that the military should be exposed Taekwondo taught in the military, but also a program that or-
to Combat Taekwondo. Currently, they are preparing educa- dinary adults can learn as practical techniques.”
tional materials based on Master Kim’s Combat Taekwondo President Lee, Dong sup shares
techniques. Master Kim’s perspective. In the Combat Taekwondo sparring competition for the U.S. military in Korea, female soldiers are competing using Combat Taekwondo techniques. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon is also concurrently conducting instructor training With a background in the
to propagate this. Although Combat Taekwondo isn't an in- police force and experi-
dependent domain, active instructor training is underway as ence as a prosecutor in-
a part of the Taekwondo dissemination support project for vestigator, President Lee used Taekwondo techniques in the field to apprehend crimi- of Taekwondo began to emerge. Kukkiwon, in collaboration
foreigners in Korea, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, has expressed, post-ap- nals. We learned self-defense and practical techniques in the with the then Korean Taekwondo Association, undertook
and Tourism. This training targets the U.S. military in Korea, pointment, that “I have past, but there aren’t dojangs teaching this way. It’s not just various projects to revive the old patterns and self-defense
about mastering forms for rank and degree certification. It’s techniques from the nine traditional schools (including Kang
necessary to learn and master techniques that can be used in Duk Won, Moo Duk Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, Oh Do Kwan and
real situations.” others) but did not achieve satisfactory results.
Aligned with President Lee’s intentions, Kukkiwon has inte- Subsequently, with the new director’s inauguration, Kukki-
grated practical Taekwondo self-defense training into their won began to establish Taekwondo techniques beyond sim-
existing self-defense instructor training, embarking on a com- ple movements, delving into practical and combative forms of
prehensive dissemination of practical Taekwondo. The next martial arts. Under ‘Practical Taekwondo,’ genres like self-de-
step is to spread Combat Taekwondo practical Taekwondo, fense techniques and Combat Taekwondo are being added.
currently centered on the U.S. military in Korea, to the Korean For Practical Taekwondo to rapidly establish its position, it is
army. Last March, Kukkiwon visited the Special Warfare Com- essential to promote training programs for young adults do-
mand to award an honorary Dan to the commander, empha- mestically and internationally. Beyond just a self-defense pro-
sizing their firm intention to promote practical Taekwondo’s gram, there’s a need to disseminate practical techniques.
military distribution actively. For this to happen, instructor training should be prioritized.
Instead of solely relying on face-to-face training, there should
How Should Practical Taekwondo Secure Its Position? be a parallel approach with online education to facilitate a
Kukkiwon is actively working towards promoting Practical Tae- faster distribution of Practical Taekwondo. Especially over-
kwondo, which has its roots in martial Taekwondo. Since its seas, there is a high demand for Kukkiwon training. However,
adoption as an official sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Tae- they need more personnel to meet the request due to bud-
kwondo has grown significantly as a global sport. The promotion get constraints and lack of personnel. Kukkiwon operates the
of sparring competitions is a prime example. Poomsae has also TCON service, integrated with the Kukkiwon Membership
followed a high growth trajectory, being adopted as an official System (KMS), which connects Taekwondo instructors world-
sport in events such as the Asian Games and the Universiade. wide. There’s an urgent need for online education on Practical
Kim, Moon ok, the head of the U.S. military in Korea's Taekwondo support team, has proven the utility value of Combat Taekwondo. Ⓒ Kukkiwon Starting from 2010, the issue of restoring the martial aspect Taekwondo using the TCON service.
26 27
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Combat Taekwondo: from the U.S. troops in Combat Taekwondo. This endeavor
resonates with Kukkiwon’s global mission of propagating Ko-
“Combat Taekwondo Proves
A Significant Contribution rean traditional culture via Taekwondo. Approaching this role
with humility and pride, they strive to amplify Taekwondo's in-
Its Value in Real-Life Situations
to the Promotion of ternational presence through meaningful cultural exchanges.
As Training Progresses.”
Korean Traditional Culture”
Irregular training schedules and short rotations of specific
units, often only around six months, combined with the U.S.
Forces’ brief dispatch periods in Korea, can be challenging Text & Photo by Avery Nolan
(Lieutenant, 55TH Military Police Unit, Camp Casey)
for consistent training. However, the instructors believe that
Text & Photo by Jo, Young through sincere communication and highlighting the virtues
(Instructor of Combat Taekwondo for the U.S. Forces in Korea) of Taekwondo, they can amplify Korean traditional culture's
reach. Furthermore, this teaching experience is an opportu-
nity to enhance their English proficiency, furthering their ca-
pabilities as global citizens. With this mindset, they remain
committed to daily instruction and training sessions.
28 29
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Actress Lee, Yuri actor active in Hollywood and the head coach of the World
Taekwondo demonstration team.
with Taekwondo
Taekwondo. fense techniques. Practical self-defense Taekwondo consists
of the best movements for those wanting to protect them-
selves. Given the increasing societal unease due to severe
crimes nowadays, I recommend practical self-defense Tae-
kwondo to women and other vulnerable groups.”
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member)
Photo by Kukkiwon Lee, Yuri, who became a certified 1st Dan black belt in Feb-
ruary, has been actively practicing her love of Taekwondo,
including serving as an ambassador at the World Taekwondo
of reciprocating the love I receive from Hanmadang in Seongnam City in July. “If given the chance, I'd
Through training, I repeatedly experience my fans.” Throughout her acting career, like to directly introduce to my fans practical self-defense Tae-
the exhilaration of overcoming limitations.” she has continuously transformed, and her kwondo techniques applicable in real-life situations, including
next challenge is action. “I wanted to break the acting mold methods to defend against attackers with knives using every-
Acting Transformations again, so I focused on action roles. While looking for ways day items like bags. I initially began training in Taekwondo for
and Taekwondo to showcase genuine action moves without a stand-in, I dis- my roles, but now it has become a part of my life. I feel phys-
Her acting spectrum is the epitome of di- covered practical self-defense Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a ically and mentally healthier, which makes me happier,” she
versity. Since her debut in 2001 with the familiar martial art for Koreans, but perhaps its familiarity has emphasized.
drama ‘School 4' as a rebellious high school caused many to overlook its importance. I had also forgotten
girl, she has played a variety of roles, from about Taekwondo since attending a dojang in my youth. Only
a queen in ‘Queen Myeongsung,’ to the after learning about Taekwondo techniques that can be used
youngest daughter of a large family with for self-defense did my interest and passion reignite.”
no luck in ‘Parents' Shrine,’ to a polio patient
Lee, Yuri (right) with Lee, Ji seok, a Taekwondo instructor from the Kukki- in ‘Love and Ambition,’ a career woman in Defending Oneself with the National Martial Arts
won World Taekwondo Training Center, specializing in practical self-de-
fense. ‘Feisty Woman,’ and an avatar of vengeance After being introduced to practical self-defense Taekwondo,
in ‘Yellow Revenge Flower.’ In 2014, she por- she has become its advocate. “The moves used in practical
Lee, Yuri, an actress who has garnered attention for her au- trayed the villain Yeon, Min jung in ‘Here self-defense are restructured applications of Taekwondo’s
dacious role transformations, has recently become deeply Comes Jang, Bori,’ securing her place among foundational Poomsae. It's astonishing and fascinating to de-
enchanted by the allure of Taekwondo. On her days off from the nation's top actresses by winning the MBC vise creative movements using South Korea’s ‘National Martial
filming, she consistently visits the dojang, fervently training for Acting Grand Prize. In 2017, she delivered a Arts’ to defend oneself and even for action acting. Practical
nearly five hours at a time. Among the various genres of Tae- stellar performance as lawyer Byun, Hye young self-defense Taekwondo comprises simple movements that
kwondo, what captivated her heart was the rapidly growing in ‘My Father is Strange,’ earning the KBS Acting anyone can easily follow. One of its strengths is that it can be
“practical self-defense” technique. Breaking the binary distinc- Grand Prize for Best Actress. learned without restriction to gender or age.”
tion of Taekwondo as “martial arts” and “sports,” it is an area
that is newly recognized for its cultural and industrial value. “I truly believe that being an actress is the best job. She remarked, “I don’t wish to instill the illusion that one can
“While preparing to take on action roles, I encountered prac- I'm so grateful for the immense love from the fans, perfectly defend against any attack by mastering practical
tical self-defense Taekwondo,” she said. “I began learning it as even when I feel I haven't given back enough. Trying self-defense Taekwondo. However, if one has pre-learned Lee, Yuri (right) attempting a kick while practicing practical self-defense
a physical exercise, but now it feels like I'm learning about life. diverse roles and not sticking to a set character is my way the movements to protect oneself, one can calmly respond Taekwondo.
30 31
SPECIAL REPORT Search For “Practical Taekwondo”Ⅱ-End
Private Organization:
significant topic of discussion. Consequently, Mas- As Taekwondo instructors, these three private promoters of prac-
ter Lee established the World Kangjin Taekwondo tical Taekwondo have been developing their unique practical
Federation to research and propagate these practi- techniques based on Taekwondo for over seven years. They have
Forging a Path of cal Taekwondo techniques.
Kim, Eun sup, a Taekwondo instructor, gained pop-
disseminated these techniques in dojangs, schools, the military,
and the police.
Innovation and ularity by teaching action skills to aspiring actors us-
ing self-defense techniques based on Taekwondo. Kukkiwon Expands Research and
32 33
PEOPLE
34 35
kwondo and performed demonstrations nationwide. He recalled
participating in the 1963 National Sports Festival as an athlete and
performing demonstrations at Seoul Citizen Hall and Jangchung
Gymnasium around 1964. These memories remain vivid in his
mind, even after more than 60 years.
Cho, Young ki Taekwondo’s journey wasn’t without challenges.
1961, after the military coup, there was a crackdown on gangsters
nationwide, and people associated with Taekwondo were some-
times unfairly perceived as troublemakers. He faced such misun-
derstandings in his twenties and was eventually taken to the po-
lice station. Fortunately, residents rallied behind him, advocating
that he was not a gangster but a martial artist. He was released
from custody after just 15 days, thanks to their petitions. Although
it might not have been an extended period, it was a distressing
experience for him.
Shortly after, the police sought him out again, this time for in-
structing police officers in martial arts. Initially, he hesitated and
Grandmaster Cho, Young ki.
declined the offer but was convinced after they showed him of-
ficial documents. He became an instructor for the police, which ❶ ❷
improved the social perception of Taekwondo instructors.
① At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Taekwondo venue, Grandmaster Cho, Young ki (second from the left in the front row) is rallying Korea's athletes, alongside
Jeon, Man gil, Kukkiwon Chairman (left) and, Chung won Choue President of the World Taekwondo Federation (right).
② In the midst of the Taekwondo matches at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Grandmaster Cho, Young ki (right), engages in conversation with Ri, Yong son,
The Position of a Taekwondo Master President of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
Gradually, in the small local community of Yeonggwang, no one
didn't know the name “Taekwondo Master Cho, Young ki.” With
such recognition came increased responsibility, and he became
cautious in his conduct. Although he naturally had a low tolerance
for alcohol, he distanced himself from alcohol and cigarettes. His
face quickly turned red when he drank, and he wanted to avoid
misunderstandings where people might think a Taekwondo mas-
ter indulged in alcohol. Consequently, he gradually distanced body? A healthy body leads to a sound mind and spirit. ‘The spirit must figure out how well it works.
himself from alcohol and its surroundings, making no mistakes of Taekwondo’ begins from here.” His words, delivered with a smile, revealed his understanding
and naturally gaining respect as a Taekwondo master. In the world of Taekwondo, there are a few elders who are excep- of the basic requirements for earning respect as a Taekwondo
“Most importantly, self-management is crucial. While keeping tionally good at self-management. Among them, he is one who elder.
promises and maintaining professionalism as a societal figure is never misses a beat. Nowadays, “Silver Taekwondo” is empha- Although he speaks humbly, few Taekwondo elders have com-
important, what’s even more critical is never neglecting self-disci- sized. If “Silver Taekwondo” refers to Taekwondo for the elderly, parable expertise, experience, and wisdom in the Taekwon-
pline for both your body and mind.” then he can undoubtedly be considered the living embodiment do community today. He is often called the “leader of South
At sixty-six, he remains incredibly healthy for his age, thanks to his of that concept. Jeolla Province’s Taekwondo community.” Still, the name
consistent dedication to exercise. “Cho, Young ki” has always been at the forefront of the South
“It’s said that I eat four meals a day. Three are actual meals, and one Taekwondo with Words, Taekwondo with Body Korean Taekwondo community, transcending South Jeolla
is exercise. That’s crucial exercise; it's like the ‘air’ for me.” “Sometimes, when we look at our Taekwondo community, we Province and Honam regions. As evident from his age, he has
About ten years ago, on a reporting trip to Europe for a Taekwon- see many people with many words. They talk about every- experienced South Korea’s modern history firsthand and has
do competition, the reporter once went for a walk outside the thing. But the crucial point is action. Isn’t Taekwondo a physi- simultaneously contributed to the history of Taekwondo. He
hotel around 5 a.m., unable to sleep due to jet lag. In the distance, cal practice? As Taekwondo practitioners, we should demon- is one of the few individuals who can witness South Korean
they saw someone who appeared to be of Asian descent jogging strate our commitment through actions rather than words. Taekwondo’s history through his own experiences.
slowly. Upon approaching, they realized it was Master Cho. Seeing I’ve realized something as I’ve grown older and received rec- However, his journey in the world of Taekwondo is far from
him running in the early dawn left a deep impression, as it was a ognition as a Taekwondo elder. I should speak as little as pos- over. He continues to actively serve in various capacities
glimpse into his everyday life. sible. If someone seeks advice from me as a Taekwondo elder, within the Taekwondo community, making himself available
“A Taekwondo master is a profession that many people watch I must offer my knowledge to the best of my ability. However, where his expertise is needed. The final chapter of Taekwondo
closely. Therefore, you must start by taking care of your own body. it isn’t good to talk excessively, especially when young people practitioner Cho, Young ki’s autobiography may not be writ-
In his youth, his image radiates the strength of determination. How can you lead others if you can’t maintain a healthy and sound might not want to hear it. I’m putting this into practice, but I ten for another 15 years.
36 37
SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Lee, Sung woo, ciation. We will prepare for the World Taekwondo Hanmadang ables efficient communication between Kukkiwon, Mungyeo-
with the same determination. The tournament will serve as a ng City, and the organizing committee.”
President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
stepping stone for a new leap forward.”
Key to Success: “Expanding and Attracting”
“Transforming Full Focus on Establishing a Competent The most noticeable change at the upcoming World Taekwon-
with Practical Taekwondo” kwondo Hanmadang event in Mungyeong next year, and one
of the areas he is giving the utmost attention to is securing the
practical Taekwondo made its debut as an official discipline,
expanding the criteria for selecting disciplines.
budget. He stated, “Although this year's event in Seongnam “There has long been a debate about whether Taekwondo is
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member)
concluded successfully, I heard that the budget acquisition a martial art with practical applicability. We can end related
Photo by Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association
process was not without challenges, causing difficulties for controversies with practical Taekwondo officially joining the
the organizing committee during the preparation stage.” He World Taekwondo Hanmadang, which brings together the
added, “Mungyeong is making thorough preparations with global Taekwondo community. The day is not far off when
full cooperation between the city and the council. We have the practical Taekwondo techniques showcased at the Han-
Mungyeong City in Gyeongsangbuk-do will host the upcom- allocated a budget of KRW 1 billion, an increase of KRW 200 madang will spread to countries worldwide.”
ing World Taekwondo Hanmadang, a grand celebration for million compared to this year, to plan an even more com- Another significant change is the consideration given to over-
practitioners worldwide. Over 5,000 Taekwondo family mem- prehensive and high-quality event. Mungyeong has actively seas Taekwondo families by announcing schedules in advance
bers from around 60 countries will gather to share diverse attracted various domestic and international sports events, and opening early registration. Only now, the event schedule
and spectacular performances, including Poomsae, breaking, including successfully hosting the 2015 World Military Sports was typically announced a maximum of 6 months in advance,
self-defense techniques, and Taekwondo gymnastics, exclud- Games. It is steadily growing as a sports-centric city. Through and even later announcements, just three months before the
ing sparring. This is the first time Mungyeong City is hosting the upcoming World Taekwondo Hanmadang, another interna- event, were a burden for international participants, leading to
the event. Lee, Sung woo, the 63-year-old president of the tional stage, we hope to showcase the charm of Mungyeong as a increased expenses from hurriedly arranging flights and ac-
Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association, who played a leading tourism and sports city in South Korea to the world.” commodations.
pivotal role in securing the hosting rights, said, “I wanted to He emphasized, “The first key to a successful event is estab- President Lee has made all schedules for the Mungyeong
elevate the World Taekwondo Hanmadang into a more presti- lishing a competent organizing committee.” President Lee event available one year in advance, allowing participants to
gious and open event and transform Mungyeong into a more pledged, “We will collaborate with experts at every stage, plan their visits to Korea as reasonably as possible. “Deciding
vibrant city, so I combined the two aspirations. Look forward Lee, Sung woo, president of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo As- from budget allocation to comprehensive planning and event the event schedule with ample time is not only a consider-
sociation, which hosted the 2024 World Taekwondo Hanmadang in
to a dramatically different World Taekwondo Hanmadang in management. Additionally, we will set up a system that en- ation for participants but also an opportunity to enhance the
Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, expressed confidence that “we will
Mungyeong in 2024.” create a stage with a new face, including practical Taekwondo.” completeness of the preparation process from the perspec-
tive of the organizing committee,” President Lee explained.
He emphasized, “I am confident in making changes, both big
Foreign Taekwondo practitioners who participated in the 2023 and small, step by step. I am determined to create a ‘Trans-
Seongnam World Taekwondo Hanmadang are visiting the Kukkiwon
formed World Taekwondo Hanmadang’ in every aspect.”
to experience Korean traditional culture.
A Distinguished Master
President Lee holds the prestigious 9th dan rank certified by Taekwondo Association President is important and demand-
the Kukkiwon. In 2006, he showcased the “dignity of a master” ing in many ways, I still find the most joy in wearing my dobok
by winning a gold medal in the individual event of the Mas- and sweating alongside my students.”
ter’s division (for those aged 40 and above) at the 1st World The success of the upcoming World Taekwondo Hanmadang
Taekwondo Poomsae Championships. Two years later, he was in Mungyeong next year is attributed to the collaboration be-
honored with the Sports Merit Order, Gireumjang, in recogni- tween President Lee, who has rich experience in organizing in-
tion of his contributions to the development of Taekwondo. ternational competitions, and the determination of President
Since 2021, he has served as the 2nd President of the Unified Lee, Dong sup of Kukkiwon to elevate the status of the event.
Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Association. While excelling President Lee stated, “I have joined forces with President Lee,
as a Taekwondo administrator, he pays attention to his duty Dong sup to make the World Taekwondo Hanmadang a great
of teaching and mentoring students. He operates the Pohang success. While exploring the possibility of hosting the event in
National Representative Taekwondo Center in Pohang, North local government areas of North Gyeongsang Province, I had
Gyeongsang Province, and is dedicated to nurturing the next the fortune of meeting Mayor Shin, Hyun guk of Mungyeo-
generation of Taekwondo practitioners. ng, who loves Taekwondo exceptionally. I have taken on the
“I’ve lived my whole life as a martial artist without being at- slogan ‘Leap! Gyeongsang Taekwondo Jumps Again’ as my
tached to titles. Although the role of the Gyeongsangbuk-do mission in leading the Gyeongsangbuk-do Taekwondo Asso-
38 39
TOPIC MBN 29th Anniversary Report Conference
annually on its foundation day, outlining a future vision for a porting Conference, quantum comput-
healthy and hopeful South Korea. The event has established ing has emerged as a significant chal-
Taekwondo, itself as a lighthouse for opinion leaders and power people
to guide the direction of our society. Last year’s 28th-anniver-
lenge for South Korea‘s future.
The 2021 Reporting Conference, themed
The Original sary report conference focused on “Opening the ‘Infinite Era’
of Quantum Computers.” It was attended by key figures like
“Mobility Revolution,” was attended by
President Yoon, Suk yeol himself as a
K-Culture Platform Prime Minister Han, Duck soo, Ministry of Science and ICT Lee,
Jong ho, parliamentary representatives from the ruling and
presidential candidate. He listened to the
presentations and promised to incorpo-
rate them into his campaign. Of course,
Text and photo by Kim, Seong cheol (MBN Industrial Division) Democratic Party Chairman Lee, Jae
MBN 29th Anniversary Celebration myung and Representative Ahn, Cheol
soo, who were also presidential candi-
• Theme: Taekwondo as the Origin of K-Culture Platform dates at the time, attended the event and
• Date: November 23, 2023 agreed to actively introduce new mobil-
ity concepts such as UAM for the future
A plaza is an open space in a city where many people can gather. • Venue: Lotte Hotel, Seoul of Korea.
It is a space that anyone can use freely, regardless of age, gen-
• Organized by: Kukkiwon, MBN In addition, the 2017 conference was
der, or social status. On March 25, 2023, Gwanghwamun Square The annual MBN Anniversary Report Conference, aimed at presenting a roadmap for a healthier and
themed ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolu- hopeful South Korea, is seen here during its 2018 event, themed ‘China’s Intelligence Revolution.
in Seoul, South Korea, showcased an extraordinary scene. More
tion and Jobs,’ shedding light on future
than 12,200 Taekwondo practitioners dressed in white dobok
employment issues for the youth. The
gathered in Gwanghwamun Square. Seeing many people in the opposition parties, university presidents, and business execu-
2018 conference, ‘China’s Intelligence Revolution,’ forecasted difference between content and platform. To prevent K-cul-
same outfit was remarkable, demonstrating Taekwondo Poom- tives. Prime Minister Han emphasized the critical role of quan-
U.S.-China conflicts. And the 2020 report explored the trans- ture from ending as a momentary fad, it needs to be nurtured
sae in a single move. The spectacle made it into the Guinness tum computing. He is firmly committed to ensuring Korea re-
formative potential of AI with ‘The Arrival of Superhuman AI.’ into a platform.
Book of World Records and symbolized something more signif- mains competitive in the ongoing technology race between
Looking at our society today, many of the future issues pro- Indeed, the strategy to develop Taekwondo into a robust
icant. the United States and China.
jected during these annual MBN conferences have material- K-Culture platform is intriguing. With a presence in 212 coun-
According to the Guinness Record, 12,263 people successfully Just three months after the MBN Reporting Conference, Pres-
ized. tries—as members of World Taekwondo—Taekwondo sur-
demonstrated the largest group performance of a Taekwondo ident Yoon, Suk yeol, during his visit to Switzerland, made an
passes the number of countries with formal diplomatic ties
Poomsae, “Taegeuk 1 Jang.” It is the first Poomsae that one exceptional visit to ETH Zurich. He pledged to invest in quan-
Using Taekwondo to Foster a K-Culture Platform with South Korea. Through synchronized movements, Kore-
learns when beginning Taekwondo. MBN took note of this tum technology, declaring, “We will strive to contribute to the
This year, the MBN anniversary report conference is focused an-language commands, and mentor-mentee relationships
miracle created by Taegeuk 1 Jang, seeing a new future in the desirable future development of humanity through quantum
on strategizing how South Korean Taekwondo can evolve into grounded in traditional etiquette, Taekwondo has built an
spirit of soaring again toward the world. technology.” In June of this year, the Ministry of Science and
a significant platform for K-culture. As you may know, Kore- impressive global network. The sport’s potential as a gateway
MBN selected ‘Taekwondo’ as the theme for its 29th anni- ICT presented a blueprint to invest 3 trillion won in quantum
an artists like BTS and Blackpink have topped the Billboard for younger generations into K-Culture is beyond what we
versary report conference this year. MBN holds the meeting technology by 2035. Less than a year after the last MBN Re-
charts, and our movies and dramas such as “Parasite” and could easily imagine. The success of a platform depends on
“Squid Game” have captivated audiences globally. In addition, how many people come to it and how long they stay. For Tae-
K-food products such as soju, kimchi, ramyeon, and, more re- kwondo to succeed as a cultural platform, it needs to attract
cently, kimbap are gaining popularity in the United States and more people and encourage them to stay longer within the
other countries. The global interest in Korean culture has nev- Taekwondo ecosystem.
er increased, with positive reviews and even talk of a “K-Re- Of course, improvement is necessary on multiple fronts. From
naissance.” internal culture to external infrastructure, Taekwondo needs
But is there a risk that our culture will end up as a fad, and how a combination of self-improvement and external support. To
can we reduce that risk? Psy‘s “Gangnam Style” was a world- address this, MBN plans to co-host the 29th-anniversary re-
wide hit enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people through port conference with Kukkiwon on November 23 at the Lotte
broadcasting and YouTube. However, content is just some- Hotel to announce strategies for making a “quantum jump”
thing to be consumed, and it doesn‘t create more added value in promoting Taekwondo as a precursor to the K-Culture plat-
and grow into an ecosystem. On the other hand, a platform form. Extensive research is already underway, and video pro-
that weaves content is different. BTS, for example, united their duction and presentation materials are also being prepared.
fan club ARMY into a single network, allowing them to enjoy The resonating “Ki-hap” that gathers energy for that kick will
Comedian and actor Yoon, Taek (right) and MBN anchor Kim, Ju ha converse during the 2020 MBN Anniversary Report Conference titled ‘The Advent of Superhuman their songs, performances, and merchandise under the um- sound far and wide on the morning of November 23, signifying a
AI.’ Both are AI-generated humans. brella of ‘BTS’ as an individual platform. This is precisely the leap forward in Taekwondo’s journey as a cultural platform.
40 41
TOPIC 2023 National University Student Taekwondo Academic Competition
College Students’
Department of Sports Science do Promotion Foundation. The final rankings were based on
(Park, Min sung, Hong, Doo young, Baek, Seung young)
rang), Yongin University (Kim, Min seo), and another team from
who received the Grand Prize, is responding Yongin University (Lee, Seung je, Lim, Dae beom, Shin, Seung 70 points from the written evaluation and 30 points from the
Refreshing and
to the judges’ questions. hee) each received encouragement awards. final presentation. Bonus points (up to 3) were given based on
their relevance to the designated topic. The final review was
conducted with the names of the teams and their respective
Creative Research
Characteristics of the Presenting Teams and Content
of the Finals Presentation institutions disclosed. The presentations’ clarity, completeness,
and delivery were assessed. Additionally, after each team’s pre-
Presentations
Last year’s excellence award recipient, the team from Seoul Na-
tional University, once again made it to the finals. Shinhan Uni- sentation, the panelists were allowed to ask questions, which
versity stood out with four teams applying, out of which three the groups addressed in their responses.
Text and Photo by Seo, Sung won (Editorial Board Member) progressed to the finals. This performance sparked skepticism
in some quarters, questioning the fairness of the evaluation. Results and Future Improvements
To commemorate the official ‘Taekwondo Day’ on September However, following the evaluation guidelines, the seven judges Hanyang University’s Department of Sports Science clinched
4th, university students in their 20s displayed their academic assessed the teams without knowing the teams’ affiliations or the grand prize. Despite refining their presentation from last
and research prowess in Taekwondo. On September 3rd, the institutions. They evaluated research papers based on creativity, year, Seoul National University settled for an excellence award
2023 National University Student Taekwondo Academic Com- relevance, specificity, reliability, and contribution. Scores from again. One of Shinhan University’s teams continued its previ-
petition was held at Muju Taekwondowon, organized by the the highest and lowest evaluations were excluded, with the aver- ous year’s success, clinching an excellence award. Of the three
Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. In the finals, six shortlist- age scores of five evaluators used to determine the result. teams from Shinhan University that made it to the finals, one
ed teams competed intensely. On September 3rd at 3 p.m., the finalists presented their find- group (consisting of Kim, Ha gyeong, Kim, Bo na, and Park, Su
ings at the Taekwondowon’s Narae Hall. During the opening young) clinched an excellence award, continuing their success
Purpose and Overview remarks, the Acting Director of the Taekwondo Promotion from the previous year. The grand prize winner was awarded
The academic competition was conceived last spring. Although (Ansan Campus) Sports Science Department (Park, Min seong, Foundation, Lee, Jong gap, who organized the competition, KRW 3 million, two excellence award-winning teams each re-
it's been 30 years since the establishment of the Taekwondo de- Hong, Doo young, Baek, Seung young) researched the optimi- commented, “The purpose of this academic competition is ceived KRW 2 million, and three commendation award-win-
partment, the educational and research for Taekwondo is still zation of Rakibium’s digital video interface through a study of to provide students majoring in Taekwondo and sports an ning teams received KRW 1 million as academic incentives.
sparse, a sentiment that has been rapidly gaining traction. The Taekwondo perception based on domestic and foreign You- opportunity to present various ideas for the development of The fact that all three members of the grand prize-winning
Taekwondo Promotion Foundation has taken the initiative to Tube big data, focusing on the time before and after COVID-19. Taekwondo, merging both sports and culture and to promote team from Hanyang University were freshmen became a
create change and progress in the academic field by offering ▲Shinhan University’s Taekwondo department (Kim, Min soo) humanistic studies of Taekwondo. I hope the established gen- talking point. Lee, Jong gab, the acting director, remarked,
college students who will lead the future of Taekwondo oppor- presented on accumulating and utilizing knowledge resources eration of Taekwondo enthusiasts will lend their ears to the in- “The content of the second competition was better than
tunities to present their research results. through Taekwondo Rakibium. ▲Shinhan University’s Tae- novative presentations of university students and find opportu- the first. Next year, we will strive to establish this as a larg-
This competition was open to any undergraduate student ma- kwondo department (Kim, Ha kyung, Kim, Bo na, Park, Soo nities to support their ambitions.” er and more specialized Taekwondo academic event.”
joring in Taekwondo or related sports disciplines and under- young) discussed awareness and activation strategy for Tae- The evaluation method for the finals was the same as the pre- Consequently, changes are expected in the third competition
graduate students in Taekwondo clubs. From May 12th to July kwondo among the middle-aged and elderly. ▲Seoul National liminary written evaluation. However, the final panel of judges next year, including its scale, theme, eligibility, evaluation
21st, submissions were accepted for research papers on three University Taekwondo club (Kim, Min seo, Joeun sesang, Yoo, was expanded to eight members by adding the curator of the method, and venue. Specifically, the standards and practices
themes: a) Utilizing Taekwondo knowledge resources in collab- Ye jin) proposed a strategy for revitalizing the Taekwondo cul- of the preliminary written eval-
oration with Taekwondo Rakibium, b) Strategies for invigorat- tural industry by introducing a professional league, focusing on uation and the final on-site pre-
ing the Taekwondo cultural industry, and c) a free topic related spectator and participatory Taekwondo events. ▲Jeonju Uni- sentation evaluation will be re-
to Taekwondo. versity’s Department of Sports Coaching (Kang, Su chan, Seon, viewed. There are plans to expand
18 teams applied, five more than last year’s first competition. Hyun seok, Jeong, Mi joo) analyzed the content characteristics participation eligibility from un-
The organizing committee formed a panel of seven judges ex- of Taekwondo creators recognized by Generation Z. ▲Shin- dergraduate students to include
perts in various fields of Taekwondo, and selected six teams for han University’s Taekwondo department (Jo, Yeon jae, Shin, graduate students. The attention
the finals through a preliminary written evaluation. Especially Jae kyung) provided a manual guideline for injury prevention is on how this competition, en-
since the prize money (academic encouragement award) from and response for young Taekwondo sparring athletes. ▲These tering its third year, will uphold
the government budget was a total of KRW 10 million, to en- topics showcased the unique innovation and creativity of uni- its original purpose and promote
sure the objectivity and fairness of the evaluation, the highest versity students. In the first competition held last year, Chosun Taekwondo academics, fostering
and lowest scores for each evaluation item were excluded, and University (Jang, Hye lim, Choi, Su young) received the top a healthy research environment.
teams were selected for the finals based on average scores from award. At the same time, Seoul National University (Jo, Eunse
the aggregated points. sang, Kim, Min seo, Kim, Young yeon) and Shinhan University After the ceremony, the teams that received the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, and Encouragement Award
Finalist Teams and Their Topics: ▲Hanyang University EREKA (Yoon, Seok joo, Byun, Dae han, Park, Se won) received excel- took a commemorative photo with the event organizers.
42 43
TOPIC
Kukkiwon has recently made efforts and shown interest in From this point on, Taekwondo boomed in Mongolia like
promoting practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques in wildfire. Several teams emerged with regional cities as their
Taekwondo Craze Sweeps Across Mongolia Mongolia. During his visit, President Lee conferred an honor-
ary 6th-degree black belt to Altangerel, Director of the Special
bases. In 2013, the number of people practicing Taekwondo
in Mongolia increased dramatically, starting with the Mongo-
Security Department, as a gesture of gratitude for his keen in- lian National Championships hosted by the Korean Embassy
Text and Photo by Lee, Kyung sook (Kukkiwon Domestic Affairs Division Manager)
terest in and support for Taekwondo. in Mongolia and organized by the Mongolian Taekwondo As-
Furthermore, President Lee was honored with a diplomatic sociation.
Mongolia! A land of vast expanses, clear blue skies, and the 2023 Mongolia-Korea Week event.
medal from the Mongolian government in recognition of his
echoes of Genghis Khan. Despite its territory being 7.4 times Mongolia is currently experiencing a “Taekwondo craze” that
the size of the Korean Peninsula, Mongolia is home to only is nothing short of remarkable. There are over 70 Taekwondo
contributions to promoting practical Taekwondo self-defense The Leading Figure Behind the Taekwondo Craze in
around 3.38 million people, similar to Busan’s. In 2023, Mongo- gyms in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, and its 21 aimags (admin-
techniques and the development of Taekwondo in Mongolia. Mongolia: Instructor Heo, In young
The current Taekwondo enthusiasm in Mongolia can be at-
lia showed great enthusiasm for K-content, including sports, istrative regions), equivalent to South Korean provinces. What
tributed to Instructor Heo, In young, who took on the Mongo-
culture, and the arts. From August 23 to 30, a delegation from began in 1991 with four coaches and 30 athletes now includes
lian national team coach role in 2013 and later, in 2018, worked
Kukkiwon, led by President Lee Dong-seop, visited Mongolia 100 coaches and 1,000 practitioners. Let’s delve into Mongo-
as an instructor dispatched by Kukkiwon in Mongolia. Instruc-
upon the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea lia’s Taekwondo phenomenon.
tor Heo, who had a background in being a Taekwondo athlete
in Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar City, which jointly organized the
from Pungsan High School, played a pivotal role in making
this enthusiasm possible.
In 2012, Instructor Heo met with representatives from the
Mongolian Taekwondo Association and the Mongolian Sports
Council's Taekwondo division, thanks to the introduction of
Erica International Referees. During this meeting, Heo empha-
sized establishing a national team system. Just one year later,
in 2013, the Mongolian Sports Council and the Mongolian Tae-
kwondo Association recruited Instructor Heo as the coach of
the Mongolian national team. This strategic move led to the
thrilling moment when Mongolia won a bronze medal at the
Incheon Asian Games.
Kukkiwon President Lee, Dong sup was awarded a diplomatic decoration
This achievement was truly remarkable as it marked a signifi-
by the Mongolian government in recognition of his contributions to the
development of Taekwondo in Mongolia. cant milestone, considering that it had been over two decades
since the promotion of Taekwondo in Mongolia. Instructor
At the 2023 Korea Week event opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square, more than 3,000 attendees expressed a keen interest in Hallyu The Surge in Popularity After the 2014 Incheon Asian Heo successfully promoted and developed Taekwondo in
culture led by Taekwondo. After the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team’s performance, participants gathered to shout, “Fighting!.” Games Bronze Medal Mongolia and played a key role in instilling a major sports cul-
Mongolian Taekwondo experienced a surge in popularity and ture.
In August 2023, Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar vided an opportunity to develop friendly cooperation between enthusiasm after winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon
Was Filled With Cheers From Over 3,000 People Mongolia and South Korea. Considering that Kukkiwon’s over- Asian Games (Men’s -54kg category, by Munkhbat Tumenba-
During the Korea Week event opening ceremony at Sukhbaatar seas instructors are also active in Mongolia, we hope to continue yar). This achievement can also be seen through the number
Square, more than 3,000 citizens gathered to witness the perfor- promoting ongoing exchanges in Taekwondo.” of practitioners and black belt holders. In the 1990s, there
mance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. The au- were 147 practitioners, and 141 in the 2000s, never surpass-
dience cheered when various high-level techniques were displayed, President Lee, Dong sup, Conferred with Diplomatic ing the 100s mark. However, after winning the bronze medal
and when breaking boards occurred, the spectators responded with Medal in Mongolia at the Incheon Asian Games, the number of practitioners and
cheers, applause, and excitement. The impressive and powerful During his visit to Mongolia, President Lee, Dong sup visit- black belt holders grew rapidly, reaching 851 in the 2010s. Ad-
demonstration showcased the fervor for Taekwondo in Mongolia. ed the Mongolian National Olympic Committee and held ditionally, when Temuujin Purevjav broke through the Asian
Kim, Jong gu, the South Korean Ambassador to Mongolia, stated, talks with President Battushig Batbold. President Batbold qualifiers and participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the
“Taekwondo serves as a prominent bridge for South Korea to show- expressed his gratitude during their meeting, “We appreci- Men's -68kg category, the enthusiasm grew even further. This
case its culture worldwide, and it is popular in Mongolia.” ate Kukkiwon’s great interest and support for the Mongolian marked a significant moment, as it had been 25 years since the
Lee, Dong sup, President of Kukkiwon, remarked, “Taekwondo is Taekwondo Association. We hope for your assistance to help establishment of the Mongolian Taekwondo Association in
the pioneer of the Hallyu wave. The fantastic Taekwondo demon- Mongolian Taekwondo win medals and progress in the Olym- 1991 to achieve the dream of Olympic participation. The Asian President Lee, Dong sup (left) presented a 6th Dan honorary black belt
to Altangerel, the director of Mongolia's Special Security Agency, as a
stration by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team, acting as civilian pics.” President Lee said, “We will actively support Mongolia in Games bronze medal, followed by this historic Olympic entry,
token of appreciation for his strong interest in and active support for
diplomatic envoys, has injected vitality into this event and pro- achieving good results in the Olympics.” opened a new chapter in Mongolia's sports history. Taekwondo.
44 45
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
When Reflecting on
Yesterday and Today,
Tomorrow Will Rise
With A Bright Sun
Text by Choe, Kyoo sup (Head of Editorial Board)
Photo by Kukkiwon
46 47
VISION
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
On November 30, 1972, just a year after its foundation, the Kukkiwon was officially completed. At its inaugura-
tion ceremony, Prime Minister Kim, Jong pil proclaimed, “Korea’s Taekwondo has now fully established itself
The ceremony for the proclamation of the inaugural year for the construction of the second Kukkiwon and the flag-raising event in May 2021. Ⓒ Kukkiwon
as a national emblem, boasting a central dojo that serves as the cradle for Taekwondo’s future development.
The 1.3 million Taekwondo practitioners must unite and utilize this dojo to its fullest potential, propelling
Taekwondo’s exponential growth, uplifting our national prestige, and enhancing the physical stature of our textbooks and magazines. This helped craft Taekwondo’s Finally, on August 7, 1978, there was a consensus to shut
citizens. Let us strive to engrain the true essence of ‘Taekwondo Korea’ more deeply globally.” history and tradition. We also introduced unique compe- down ten schools. This was a historic moment that paved
Fast forward five decades and the Kukkiwon stands tall after 51 years since its establishment. What vision and tition rules, distinguishing us from Karate and Kung Fu, the way for Taekwondo’s development. On that day, the
blueprint should the Kukkiwon pursue for its continued growth? But before we delve into the future, it’s essen- thereby defining the modern face of Taekwondo.” (KimUn- heads of the ten schools agreed that the integration would
tial to reflect on the past visions and key policies set forth by previous administrations. Yong.com, August 29, 2011. Kim, Un yong Column: ‘How far help break free from Taekwondo’s deep-rooted factional
has Taekwondo come?’) mindset and become the driving force behind solidifying
President Kim, who held leadership roles in the Kukkiwon, and globalizing Taekwondo.
The 1970s Vision and Policy of Kim, Un Yong the Korea Taekwondo Association, and the World Tae-
Kukkiwon’s vision and main policies have constantly kwondo, sought to define the roles and functions of these Promotion Test Policy from 1980 to 1990
evolved under the influence of the incumbent director’s three organizations clearly. Reflecting on this later, Presi- In 1980, Dan’s promotion test and issuance responsibilities
will and the era’s zeitgeist. Additionally, they have been dent Kim stated, “The Korea Taekwondo Association serves were transferred from the Korea Taekwondo Association to
shaped in response to the changing demands from both as the pillar for the home country, the World Taekwondo Kukkiwon. As a result, Kukkiwon started overseeing these
the domestic and international Taekwondo communities. focuses on promoting Taekwondo globally and manag- test duties on March 1 of that year. However, the respon-
Immediately after the establishment of the Kukkiwon, its ing member countries, and the Kukkiwon preserves the sibility for overseas examinations was handed over to the
first director, Kim, Un Yong, expressed a determination martial spirit and traditions. I ensured these three entities World Taekwondo in July 1984 for issuance. This dual re-
to “standardize the promotion tests and retrain frontline moved in harmony. No one dictated the decision to sepa- sponsibility for examination tasks continued with Kukki-
instructors to showcase the pinnacle of Taekwondo tech- rate them into three; it was a historical imperative, deeply won and the World Taekwondo overseeing domestic and
niques to the world.” He further declared an ambition to In the early 1970s, Kim, Un yong, the first President of Kukkiwon, imbued with the spirit of the times.” international duties. But after a practical meeting on the
who also served as the President of the Korea Taekwondo Asso-
“host the World Taekwondo Championships in Seoul in In the late 1970s, a pivotal moment arrived that strength- matter, in January 1988, Kukkiwon took charge of overseas
ciation, is revealing his contemplations on “What to do for Tae-
May 1973, inviting teams from 40 countries where Korean kwondo”. Ⓒ Korea Taekwondo Association ened the role and stature of the Kukkiwon. A departure was examination duties.
instructors are stationed, to flaunt the true essence of Tae- made from the Taekwondo evaluation practices previously On April 20, 1983, the examination regulations were re-
kwondo, Korea’s national martial art, to the world.” izing and globalizing Taekwondo, elevating national pres- conducted by individual schools, consolidating administra- vised. The fundamental changes included designating up
Kukkiwon laid down its foundation stones for a centu- tige. He tirelessly worked towards cementing the modern tive evaluation processes centered around the Kukkiwon. to 3rd Poom and 9th Dan as the highest rank. Practical ex-
ry-long Taekwondo journey. Their goals encompassed: a) stature of Taekwondo. In February 1977, the Integration Promotion Committee aminations were limited up to 7th Dan. A technical review
Standardizing Taekwondo evaluations b) Enhancing the Kim reflected on his thoughts, “In 1972, we fulfilled the was formed, comprising 15 members, including veteran committee decided upon those of 8th Dan or higher. The
quality of instructors both domestically and internation- long-standing aspiration of Taekwondo practitioners by Taekwondo practitioners and central dojo masters. This examination subjects were divided into practical skills,
ally c) Hosting international-scale tournaments and do- completing the central dojang of the Korea Taekwondo committee agreed to give a grace period of one year, theory, and written answers. Practical skills comprised
mestic competitions d) Unifying Taekwondo techniques Association (Kukkiwon). This laid the foundation for Tae- during which the central main master would relinquish Poomsae, sparring, breaking (optional), and special skills
e) Cultivating pride amongst Taekwondo practitioners, kwondo’s journey towards becoming a national sport. all affiliations to his school. That August, to eliminate the (optional), while theory included written responses and
contributing to national prestige and public sports. After registering Kukkiwon as a foundation, we integrat- long-standing factionalism within the Taekwondo com- dissertations.
Kim, also the president of the Korea Taekwondo Associ- ed over 30 disparate Taekwondo schools, established munity and correct administrative and technical system In May 1986, some parts of the test regulations were revised.
ation, constantly contemplated the path forward for the training centers, unified promotion tests, integrated tech- issues, an organization responsible for integrating Tae- The main contents of the revision were a) If a Pum holder
development of Taekwondo. His vision and blueprint niques, dispatched and supported overseas instructors, kwondo schools, General Headquarters, was launched, surpasses the age of 15, they can apply for a corresponding
during the early to mid-1970s revolved around national- established a historical narrative, and issued Taekwondo with President Kim appointed its head. Dan replacement, b) The time frame for transitioning from
48 49
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
Poom to Dan was alteredm c) Safety provisions for candi- duce new policies and visions aligning with their transition local associations and instructors and to en-
dates were added to the text application form. to a special corporation. sure transparency in the process, the issue
In 1998, the hierarchy for Poom was revised to a 4 Poom Simultaneously, Kukkiwon actively pursued the Kukkiwon persists.
system, which was implemented in January 1999. If a Poom Overseas Dojang Registration (KOMS) project to invigorate The blueprint for establishing a manage-
holder reached or surpassed the age of 15, they could con- overseas dojangs. The KOMS project aimed to establish ment system for Kukkiwon, aligned with the
vert to Dan upon application. However, a 4th Poom holder a dojang network based on an overseas organizational changing global environment and to en-
must be 18 or older to transition to 4th Dan. foundation, solidify Kukkiwon’s global corporate base, and hance its brand, still needs to be improved.
strengthen the Kukkiwon brand in international markets The existing conflicts between the president
Vision and Blueprint for the 2000s through overseas promotion and enhanced training edu- and the board of directors and the board’s
With the turn of the millennium, Kukkiwon adjusted to cation. inability to meet expectations have only ex-
the changing times by implementing various policies and From September 2010, new Poom, Dan certificates were acerbated the situation.
projects. There was a substantial increase in the project issued incorporating a new CI. However, in response to
budget. In February 2006, the board passed a project bud- the public opinion that the design of the rank certificates
Taekwondo was adopted as an official sport at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and rode
What is the Vision and Blueprint of
get of KRW 8.3 billion. On this day, the board established a should be refined and aligned with an international sense, the wave of globalization. We've compiled a collection of exciting Taekwondo competi- Chairman Lee, Dong sup?
Taekwondo Research Institute to expand diverse research a renewed storage and carry-on version was introduced tions from the Sydney 2000 Games to the Tokyo 2020 Games. Ⓒ World Taekwondo In May 2021, Chairman Lee, Dong sup of Kuk-
activities and introduce a Taekwondo Ambassador System. in June 2011. The black graphic motif was enhanced with kiwon presented a vision report titled “A Leap
This system was aimed at protecting the rights of overseas holographic processing, reducing the number of graphics Forward for Kukkiwon, the World Taekwon-
Taekwondo instructors and serving as a bridge for pro- and increasing their size for clearer visibility. do Headquarters, through the Second Establishment.” He
motions. Furthermore, developing new Taekwondo tech- In May 2011, celebrating the first anniversary of its transition proposed strengthening Kukkiwon’s stature, expertise, and
niques and cultural content was promoted to keep up with to a special corporation, Kukkiwon unveiled the TKK Win- Beyond Mere Vision and Blueprint, identity. The three major strategies and six core tasks are a)
the times. They also aimed to create measures to support Win-Win 2020 mid-to-long-term vision and strategy. TKK Continuous Implementation is Essential Kukkiwon in the World: Establishing the Kukkiwon Global
and revitalize Taekwondo schools. stands for “Taekwondo, Kukkiwon, Korea”. This vision aimed The Kukkiwon executive board has announced visions Committee and the Kukkiwon Support/Branches, b) Chang-
In December 2009, Kukkiwon proclaimed a vision for new to address the perception of these three brands as distinct and blueprints for 20 years. However, many have merely ing Kukkiwon: Turning Kukkiwon into a renowned spot and
leaps. The five primary focus areas and main projects in- entities, emphasizing a brand synergy where “Taekwondo” remained slogans without the need for implementation. internally innovating towards a global organization, c) United
cluded strengthening Taekwondo’s international compet- evokes “Kukkiwon” and “Kukkiwon” evokes “Korea.” Especially after it transitioned to a special corporation Kukkiwon: Establishing a training system centered around
itiveness, enhancing promotional capabilities, revitalizing In 2015, Kukkiwon announced key policies that included in 2010, there was an added urgency from the executive Taekwondo dojangs and system improvements for World
training projects, refining business models, and restructur- improvements in the testing system, promoting the over- board to showcase tangible results. Taekwondo dojangs.
ing and enhancing human resources. seas Kukkiwon Cup competition, revitalizing martial arts In 2011, marking the first anniversary of the transition to a Chairman Lee stated, “While aiming to be the world Tae-
Amidst this momentum, in December 2009, Kukkiwon de- Taekwondo, and establishing an overseas organizational special corporation, Kukkiwon announced a mid-to-long- kwondo headquarters, Kukkiwon did not have a single
liberated on establishing an international office and over- foundation. In 2016, Kukkiwon highlighted a global man- term vision and strategy for 2020, introducing three ma- base organization in countries around the world. There
seas branches to reinforce its international foundation and agement system and the elevation and diversification of jor plans and 12 actionable tasks. Still, most of them only was also a lack of appropriate internal innovation and a
competitiveness. The international team was expanded the Taekwondo brand. Moreover, in 2021, they presented achieved a little. The three strategies were a) T-Valuable lack of establishment of a training system centered around
into an international department after perceiving a weak- objectives such as strengthening Kukkiwon’s prestige, en- Taekwondo: Enhancing the luxury status and value of Tae- Taekwondo dojangs and system improvements.” He em-
ening of Kukkiwon’s global foundation and external func- hancing its expertise, and establishing its identity. kwondo b) K-Vital Taekwondo: Strengthening competitive- phasized the establishment of Kukkiwon’s expertise and
tions due to limited interaction with overseas instructors. ness through innovative changes c) K-Global Korea: En- identity with solid momentum.
This department overseeing all international affairs was hancing international contributions as the premier country In October 2022, he was re-elected for a three-year term
mandated to establish branches across five continents and for Taekwondo. and announced plans to establish overseas support and
handle overseas school registrations, education, and train- From 2015 onwards, the main policies and projects pro- branches in 200 countries and to promote the construction
ing projects. moted by Kukkiwon included exam system improvement, of the second Kukkiwon. In a New Year interview in January
Kukkiwon tried to set up overseas branches in early 2010. establishment of a global management system, overseas 2023, Chairman Lee said, “Kukkiwon issues certifications in
They formed an evaluation committee for selecting these organizational foundation, enhancement of the prestige 203 countries and is the heart of Taekwondo. However, we
branches and scrutinizing applicant organizations. On Feb- and pilgrimage of Kukkiwon, activating overseas martial don’t have any branches. Hence, by November 30 of this
ruary 9, they held a meeting to explain the purpose of es- arts Taekwondo, developing certified Taekwondo uni- year (the 51st anniversary of Kukkiwon’s establishment),
tablishing overseas branches and gather opinions. forms, Strengthening Kukkiwon's professionalism and we aim to set up branches in over 200 countries. Current-
In 2010, Kukkiwon underwent significant changes, transi- identity, Establishing overseas support branches. ly, we’ve completed the formation in 80 countries. If over
tioning from a foundation corporation to a special corpo- While there has been some progress in improving the text 200 branches are established globally this year, a general
ration. In June of that year, Kukkiwon formed the Devel- system, with the management system for Taekwondo pro- assembly will be held in Seoul. Since Kukkiwon is a glob-
opment Strategy Committee Task Force Team, bringing motion exams being rebuilt in 2015 after its initial launch al entity, just like the World Taekwondo, we will also have
specialized committees for budget and settlement, struc- in 2006, other policies and projects still need momentum. a ‘Vice Chairman System’ across the five continents. If the
BLUEPRINT
tural reform, and policy development under its wing. They Establishing overseas branches, a key initiative since 2010, chairman cannot visit a place, a non-standing vice chair-
Kukkiwon unveiled its metaverse utilizing future technologies in
recruited experts in various fields to be a part of these com- the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in March 2022. Poster remains problematic. Although Kukkiwon pledged in Au- man will be in charge of that region by continent.”
mittees. This demonstrated their determination to intro- for “KUKKI-Learn”. Ⓒ Kukkiwon gust 2015 to develop these branches in collaboration with
50 51
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
COLUMN ① COLUMN ②
It’s been over 30 years since I left South Korea, the “home of
Big Data
Taekwondo,” for the US. Over these three decades, I’ve wit- Analog Computerization Digitalization
Transformation
nessed various changes and evolutions in Taekwondo. Es-
pecially since 2003, working at the prestigious University of
[ Change is not an option but a necessity ]
California, Berkeley, I’ve interacted with numerous students
through Taekwondo lessons and club training. By the end of
each semester, even beginners come to appreciate Taekwon-
do as a sport and martial art infused with Eastern philosophy, a deeper appreciation of Taekwondo's essence and purpose, In 1950, spurred by the research of the British mathematician tion technologies, there's a clarion call to rejuvenate Taekwondo.
strengthening both body and mind. its future is promising. In this light, I have several recommen- Alan Turing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged. Machine learning, Spearheading this transformation is Kukkiwon. As the custodian
Despite their sweat-soaked white uniforms, the students al- dations for its advancement. facilitated by the Turing Machine, cemented its role as a standard of Taekwondo’s foundational techniques, Kukkiwon bears the
ways wear their smiles. At the start of every semester, I invite First, Taekwondo programs should cater to everyone, irre- in computer architecture. Yet, when grappling with vast amounts responsibility of standardizing these techniques, transitioning
them to introduce themselves and share their motivations for spective of age or gender, ensuring shared enjoyment and of data, AI algorithm development encountered hurdles, hinder- them to the digital sphere, and orchestrating the Taekwondo
learning Taekwondo. While many enroll out of curiosity, for camaraderie. Beyond physical and mental training, Taekwon- ing its swift progress. D·N·A (Data·Network·Artificial Intelligence).
self-defense, or physical training, watching these free-spirited do can offer psychological stability and stress relief. The As the 2000s dawned, advancements in semiconductor memory In the contemporary New Normal era, digital technology has
American students shouting in unison and training passion- COVID-19 pandemic underscored our collective need for gen- technology marked notable strides in computer performance. transcended innovation to become a staple. Economic vigor
ately – as if attending a significant course – fills me with im- uine human relationships. If Taekwondo can support physical Consequently, the practical application of the Deep Neural Net- is increasingly anchored not in tangible assets but intangibles,
mense pride and gratitude. and mental growth while fostering meaningful human bonds, work (often called deep learning) gained traction. With these with ‘Work-Life Balance’ evolving from an aspiration to an actu-
Their dedication and seriousness only grow during af- its impact will be profound. technological leaps, by 2023, giants like Google and Facebook al reality. This paradigm shift also sheds light on the noticeable
ter-school Taekwondo club and athlete training sessions. Second, relative to other sports, Taekwondo is uniquely posi- are poised to achieve unparalleled accuracy in facial recognition scarcity of Taekwondo masters in dojangs.
They rigorously train for two hours 3-4 times a week and, later, tioned to instill educational and philosophical values. So many through deep learning. Simultaneously, IBM’s Watson show- To address this, automating routine chores, crafting a Taekwon-
convene to study or finish assignments collectively. In my over things can be introduced to students, such as the significance cased over 90% accuracy in diagnosing colorectal cancers. Not do Dojang Service Platform, implementing AI for Taekwondo
20 years as a coach at Berkeley, I’ve administered mid-term ex- and philosophy of practicing Taekwondo, understanding Ko- to be outdone, Tesla’s Autopilot has evolved to a stage where au- Motion Recognition, and devising an Integrated Taekwondo In-
ams for my athletes in hotel rooms and even on flights to com- rean philosophy as a Korean martial art, spreading traditional tonomous driving with minimal human input is feasible. struction Method synergized with devices are imperative. These
petitions. At Berkeley, athletes are given no special privileges. Korean culture, and learning good manners. It’s a great educa- AI, quintessential to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, finds appli- initiatives promise to alleviate work burdens while elevating ser-
Over the past eight years, as the All-American College Tae- tional opportunity to broaden your horizons while practicing cations spanning diverse domains, from society and culture to vice standards.
kwondo Federation president, I’ve noticed that top compet- Taekwondo. sports and the economy. Today, aligning with AI is less a choice In this landscape, AI isn’t an entity to dread or sidestep. The onus
itors often come from prestigious universities such as Berke- Taekwondo teaches its practitioners mental discipline virtues and more a mandate. Once rooted in tradition, the sports sector lies in judiciously cherry-picking and harnessing the AI tools that
ley, Stanford, Brown, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton. such as patience, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, stead- is segueing into the digital realm, manifesting as e-sports forti- align with our needs. By orchestrating a symphony between Tae-
Balancing their academic responsibilities, these students pour fastness, discipline, and self-control. In addition, teaching fied by AI, big data, and sophisticated data analytics. kwondo and AI, we are poised to carve out a robust Taekwondo
their hearts into training. They view Taekwondo as a form of Taekwondo to practice goodness, gratitude, compassion, em- Taekwondo stands at this digital precipice, awaiting a seamless market and stand at the cusp of heralding Taekwondo’s second
exercise and a personal challenge, giving it their all. pathy, and a sense of wonder is an excellent opportunity to transition. Harnessing the prowess of Fourth Industrial Revolu- renaissance.
The future of Taekwondo should honor these values. While develop the body and mind, mental stability, and happiness
winning a gold medal is commendable, if training can inspire in life.
To be continued in the next issue…
52 53
YEARLY PROJECT Kukkiwon, 50 Years of History and the Next 50 Years to Come Ⅲ
The 2010s marked a pivotal decade for Taekwondo, highlighted by its official legal recognition as South Korea’s national martial art and
the historic visit of the North Korean Taekwondo demonstration team to the South. During this transformative period, when Kukkiwon
transitioned from a foundation corporation to a special corporation, they embarked on a project to expand their international network. On
October 4, 2010, Kukkiwon held a business presentation for the Kukkiwon Membership System (KMS). This meeting showcased Kukkiwon’s
strong commitment to overseas Taekwondo ventures, earning widespread acclaim from Taekwondo leaders worldwide. On November
17, 2012, the Kukkiwon held the 2012 Knowledge Seminar on the Hope of Revitalizing Taekwondo Dojangs in Korea. On June 28, 2017, a
demonstration team from the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) led by North Korea visited the Kukkiwon, the world headquarters
of Taekwondo, for the first time. It was a heartwarming moment that united the two Koreas through Taekwondo.
Also, on March 30, 2018, led by Congressman Lee, Dong sup (the current Kukkiwon President), the 358th provisional National Assembly’s
first general meeting approved the ‘Law Amendment for the Promotion of Taekwondo and the Establishment of a Taekwondo Park,’ thus
legally solidifying Taekwondo’s status as the esteemed national martial art.
President Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan (center), accompanied by the First Lady (right), vis- On November 15, 2013, Kukkiwon was designated as
ited Kukkiwon on November 20, 2013. He was awarded an honorary 9th dan certificate in recogni- a Future Heritage of Seoul, referring to tangible and
2010 tion of his contributions to the expansion and development of Taekwondo. intangible assets not yet recognized as cultural prop-
erties but deemed valuable for future generations.
Currently, 502 heritages are managed by Seoul City.
Dreaming of a world united through Taekwondo, Kukkiwon held Kukkiwon hosted a welcome event for member countries of the Interna-
a seminar on November 17, 2012, to invigorate local Taekwondo tional Sports Press Association (AIPS) held in Korea on May 10, 2017,
For the first time in history, the North Korean ITF Taekwondo demonstration team visited Kukkiwon on June 28, 2017. dojangs. to promote their brand and Taekwondo.
54 55
In collaboration with Seoul City, Kukkiwon showcased a regular Taekwondo demonstration at the Namsangol Hanok Village
Cheonwoogak on May 3, 2014, actively promoting Taekwondo’s identity and excellence domestically and internationally.
On March 30, 2018, the National Assembly passed the ‘Law Amendment for the Promotion of Tae-
kwondo and the Establishment of a Taekwondo Park,’ legally solidifying Taekwondo’s status as a
national sport.
56 57
HISTORY Historical Figures <3>
The Main Contributor to Communications School. Principal Choi hailed him as a ‘genius
of the martial arts world.’ Even then, Taekwondo was known by
the Globalization of Taekwondo names like Dangsudo, Subakdo, and Kwonbop. He participated
in the production of the textbook, demonstrating various tech-
58 59
cial. In consultation with Lee, Chong woo, Uhm established com- to the devious strategies of some in the Taekwondo community.
petition rules in November 1961, laying the foundation for joining In October 2010, after Kang, Won sik assumed the Kukkiwon pres-
the Korea Sports Council as its 28th affiliated organization. Thanks idency, Uhm became a senior member of the Kukkiwon advisory
to the efforts of these young Taekwondo reformists, Taekwondo committee alongside Lee, Chong woo and Kim, Yong chae. He
became an official event at the Jeonju National Sports Festival in negatively opposed converting the Kukkiwon to a special corpo-
October 1963. ration, saying, “Taekwondo can be self-sustaining. It doesn’t need
the government’s budget, so why did this happen?” He expressed
Kim, Un yong, Lee, Chong woo, a negative view. When the directors failed to elect a chairman, he
and the Golden Triangular Division was bitter, saying, “They don’t think about the cause of develop-
Taekwondo underwent a significant transformation in 1971 with ing Taekwondo. They only think about themselves.” He also said,
the recruitment of Kim, Un yong, a former diplomat working as “Directors should be able to make concessions, but I don’t want
a presidential security officer’s assistant at the Blue House, as the to be that person. After the Kukkiwon became a legal entity, the
During his time as the third director of Cheong Do Kwan, Uhm, Woon Uhm (right) walking with Kukkiwon President Kim, Un yong (center) in the
kyu (left) encouraged his students. president of the Korea Taekwondo Association. On the recom- administration strangely turned everyone around them into ene-
early 2000s.
mendation of Cho, Shi hak, a New York instructor, Lee, Chong woo mies,” he said.
by summoning representatives from various martial arts associ- met with Kim, Un yong to persuade him to accept the presidency. maintaining the dominant position of the host country. In September 2014, the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation recog-
ations, including the Korea Hapki Association, Korea Taekwondo He, who had moved in tandem with Lee, Chong woo, also actively nized him and Kim, Un yong and Lee, Chong woo as one of the top
Association, Kongsudo Chang Moo Kwan, Kongsudo Song Moo engaged in the process. That January, when Kim took office, he Former Kukkiwon President Uhm, Woon kyu 10 ‘People Who Lit Up Taekwondo’. The following year, Kukkiwon
Kwan, Kangdukwon Martial Arts Association, and Han Moo Kwan was appointed vice president in the new executive branch to as- Time has passed, but Uhm, Woon kyu’s role as Kim, Un yong’s introduced the ‘Proud Taekwondo Person Award,’ and he, along-
Central Kongsu dojang. sist him, alongside Lee, Nam seok and Jang, Jae sik. Lee, Chong right-hand man and the administrative head of Taekwondo re- side Kim, Un yong, was the first recipient. He humbly responded,
When integration proved challenging, the second-in-command woo assumed the role of chairman of the Technical Review Com- mained unchanged. Meanwhile, Taekwondo was included as an “I am both embarrassed and thankful for this excessive honor.”
of the revolutionary government, Vice Chairman of the National mittee. official sport in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and became an offi- His last letter to his students from his hospital bed in May 2017,
Reconstruction Council General Lee, Ju il, called upon Uhm and With Kim’s presidency, the world of Taekwondo set three core cial Olympic sport from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The stature of a month before he passed away, is instructive for the turbulent
Lee, Chong woo, ordering them to consolidate Taekwondo under Kim, Un yong as the president of the World Taekwondo remained world of Taekwondo. “I want you to know that my life’s journey
the auspices of the Korea Sports Council chairman Lee, Hyo. The unshaken until the early 2000s. By then, voices calling for the res- will have its highs and lows, but my love for Taekwondo was at
revolutionary government recognized these “young blood” as ignation of members who had held power for 30-40 years, includ- the center of it all. Even now, it breaks my heart to see people who
the key players in the unification and advancement of Taekwon- ing President Kim, grew louder. In 2001, college student protests
do. They also promised to include the consolidated Taekwondo emerged over alleged ‘judgment manipulation.’ Amidst this ‘wind
organization in the National Sports Festival if unification was of democratization’ in Taekwondo, Kim, Un yong and Uhm, Woon
achieved. kyu stepped down from their respective roles.
In September of that year, the long-anticipated unification of the In 2004, Lee, Chong woo, who played a bridging role with the
Taekwondo community finally took place under the name Korea democratic forces, pressured Eom to take the position of Kuk-
Taesudo Association. At that time, among the five original do- kiwon President. Having served ten years as an association vice
jangs, Ji Do Kwan used the name “Kongsudo,” Chang Moo Kwan president, 15 years as the vice president of the global federation,
At the 2005 Taekwondo Night event, Uhm, Woon kyu (left) presented
“Kwonbeop,” Moo deok Kwan “Hwasudo,” Cheong Do Kwan a special award to his ‘lifetime comrade’ Lee, Chong woo took a com-
and 20 years as the vice president of Kukkiwon, Ehm was appoint-
“Dangsudo,” and O Do Kwan “Taekwondo.” The name “Taesudo” memorative photo. ed the second president of Kukkiwon in March 2004 by the board
was born by combining “Tae” from Taekwondo and “Su” from chairman, his lifelong comrade, Lee, Chong woo.
Kongsudo. tasks: administrative integration, national sport designation, and Uhm’s tenure was not smooth. In 2005, he faced investigations by
The Korea Taesudo Association’s vice-presidents, Uhm, Woon kyu, globalization. Lee, Chong woo, and he, who was in tune with Pres- the prosecutor’s office over suspicions of unauthorized issuance
Lee, Chong woo, and Lee, Nam seok, nominated General Chae, ident Kim, took the lead in spearheading initiatives as core execu- of certifications and misappropriation of public funds. He was In the inauguration ceremony held in March 2004, the newly appointed
Myung shin, who was a respected soldier and the head of the In- tives of the association. Their troika system served as the nucleus indicted and sued five times, but all charges were dropped. As a Kukkiwon President Uhm, Woon kyu (right) is saluting the national flag.
spection Board of the revolutionary government, as their inaugu- for the revival of Taekwondo for the next 30 years without a hitch. Christian with a pastor father, he never counter-sued, prioritizing
ral president. As Taekwondo organizations were streamlined and projects harmony and unity among Taekwondo practitioners. are slandering and slandering for positions, do not recognize their
On December 20, 1961, the Korea Taesudo Association joined expanded, the association’s need for a central gymnasium was In June 2006, he concluded a business agreement between Kuk- seniors as seniors, are obsessed with covering up for their family
the Korea Sports Council. As the sole vice president, Uhm played raised. He and Lee, Chong woo were moving from the site selec- kiwon, the World Taekwondo, and the Korea Taekwondo Associ- members, and will do anything for their gain. For a better future, I
a significant role in setting up the initial board of directors. After tion phase. After the establishment of the Kukkiwon in Novem- ation to foster cooperation among Taekwondo organizations. He request that we unite to create a Taekwondo culture that honors
establishing the association, an urgent task was to consolidate the ber 1972, they both busily prepared for the hosting of the World also actively promoted a cooperative system with the influential our masters and respects our seniors. I hope the next generation
dan grading tests conducted separately by each school. Uhm col- Championship and the establishment of the World Taekwondo. US Taekwondo Association for instructor education support. will be just and fair, put aside their selfishness, and unite for the
laborated as grading committee members with Lee, Chong woo, He served as the inaugural vice president of the global federation, In July 2008, he played a pivotal role in globalizing Taekwondo, cause more than any other athletic organization. I’ve been hap-
Lee, Nam seok, Park, Chul hee, Nam, Tae hi, and Lee, Young sup. while Lee, Chong woo fulfilled his duties as secretary-general. with the “World Taekwondo Hanmadang” held in Anaheim, USA. py with Taekwondo all my life, and I wouldn't change that choice
The association’s next mission was to become an official event in While President Kim focused on external affairs, such as diploma- However, a month prior, he had expressed his intention to resign, even if I were reborn.”
the National Sports Festival. For Taekwondo to spread nationwide cy and securing budgets, the two specialized in internal matters, taking moral responsibility for illegal construction at Kukkiwon’s
as a sport, becoming a part of the National Sports Festival was cru- such as Taekwondo technical issues, global proliferation, and lecture hall. Despite his lifelong service, he felt disillusioned due
60 61
HISTORY 50th Anniversary of Kukkiwon <3>
Kukkiwon Has Hosted World Championships Since Featured Countries and Coaches at the Inaugural
The Globalization of ‘Kukki’ Taekwondo Its Inception As the Cradle of the World’s Taekwondo World Championships
Center
First Among Eastern Martial Arts President Kim, Un yong ensured that Kukkiwon, the World
Taekwondo Headquarters, provided technical and financial
Participating Countries
Germany
Korean Instructor
Seo, Yoon nam
to Become an Official Olympic Sport support to the KTA. The name “Central Dojang” was not only
meant to unify the separate halls, but also to globalize the
Uganda
France
Kim, Nam sik
Lee, Kwan young
“national sport Taekwondo” recognized by the president. He East Min, Gyeong ho / Jeon, In mun
Text and photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations emphasized rigorous promotion systems and focused on the United States Central Jack Hwang / Kang, Yeong gu
education and training of instructors. He developed new Tae- West Kim, Il hoe / Kim, Dae hyeon
kwondo poomsae, rules of play, hogu, and dobok, and intro- Taiwan Noh, Hyo yeong
duced them to the world, making Taekwondo the living center Malaysia Yang, U yeop
of the world.
Austria Lee, Kyong myong
After the establishment of Kukkiwon, the need for an inter-
Côte d'Ivoire Kim, Young tae
national Taekwondo organization naturally arose. Instead of
Brunei Park, Won ha
a low-profile opening ceremony, it was suggested that Kuk-
Mexico Moon, Dai won
kiwon should be promoted through a world championship.
At the Kukkiwon opening ceremony, President Kim, who also Khmer Choi, Jeong hyeok / Kim, Si jong
served as the head of Kukkiwon, announced, “We will host a Singapore Lee, Seong su
World Taekwondo Championship, inviting teams from around Philippines Hong, Seong cheon
40 countries where Korean instructors are active.” Hong Kong Seung, Gang yong
62 63
distribution and management, and the Kukkiwon supporting
both organizations while maintaining the martial arts spirit
and tradition.
64 65
PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage of Taekwondo Dojangs <3>
The trend is towards being ‘exercise enthusiasts’ lately. With the emergence of new slang words like
‘Hel-liny’ (a newbie in the gym) and ‘O-un-wan’ (short for “exercise completed today”), there’s a fitness
boom among adults. Building new communities through interactions with people met during exercise
sessions has a positive effect, and word of mouth has increased interest in Taekwondo among adults.
However, supply has yet to keep up with demand. While organizations like the Kukkiwon and the Ko-
rea Taekwondo Association (KTA) are making efforts to promote adult Taekwondo, changes in the field
need to be faster. Against this backdrop, the Dodam Taekwondo Dojang, led by Kim, Young kyun, was
chosen as the third destination for the PILGRIMAGE Taekwondo Dojang tour. On August 29th, amidst
the late summer heat, there was a sense of satisfaction watching adults train in Taekwondo at the
Dodam Taekwondo Dojang located in Jukbaek-dong, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province. It hinted at
the potential of adult Taekwondo activation. Trainees of Dodam Taekwondo gathered for a commemorative photo shoot.
So, did Master Kim, Young kyun have the answer to activating However, Master Kim, who comes from a demonstration back-
the adult Taekwondo division from the start? Of course not. ground, found a breakthrough in adult Taekwondo activation
“I initially had no interest in managing an adult division. Adult by focusing on sparring training rather than his strongest suit
Taekwondo lacks the popularity of children’s Taekwondo, and of demonstrations.
securing trainees is difficult. However, continuous inquiries “I pondered deeply on what Taekwondo training programs
from adults led me to start it by chance. Over time, I realized adults find enjoyable. Despite much consideration, sparring is
the need to provide programs exclusively for adults. As I con- the only thing elites and regular adult trainees can easily ap-
sistently guided them through diverse programs, I gradually proach and learn.”
developed expertise. Now, it has become one of the main pro- Sparring is at the core of Taekwondo. Through sparring, not
grams of the dojang.” only can one master the fundamental techniques of Taekwon-
do but also experience fun and a sense of accomplishment.
In the end, the answer to activating adult Taekwondo wasn’t While many have forgotten, sparring is one of the best exercises
Master Kim, Young kyun demonstrates to the trainees, teaching precisely and Mr. Kim, Seok jin sweats as he diligently practices his kicks.
given, but was a process that had to be created. meticulously. to improve physical fitness and concentration.
66 67
students, regardless of age, gender,
profession, or zodiac, can maxi-
[MINI INTERVIEW]
mize their abilities. Additionally, we
should foster an environment where
everyone acknowledges and re-
spects each other's differences. This
embodies the core values and objec-
tives of adult Taekwondo, focusing
on promoting health and enhancing
social interactions.”
The adult Taekwondo program at
Dodam Taekwondo Dojang has in-
deed had a positive impact, enrich-
ing their lives.
68 69
EDUCATION
Taekwondo In this context, I propose five points for constructing the aca-
demic framework of the philosophy of Taekwondo:
1. Redefining the Concept of Taekwondo Philosophy: The phi- At the 3rd high-degree promotion test held at the Kukkiwon in September 2023, applicants are participating in the skill evaluation.
Text by Han, Kwon sang (Newly appointed 9th Dan of Kukkiwon)
Photo by Kukkiwon losophy of Taekwondo should go beyond merely explaining Typically, one begins Taekwondo around 6-7 and must train for over 45 years to achieve a high-degree rank.
its meaning and should establish a concept that logically de-
scribes its practical application.
2. Changing the Perception of Taekwondo Philosophy: One
should not perceive the enlightenment of martial arts or the Philosophy: We need to evaluate what ethical issues are nec- Fundamentals as a Foundation for
meaning of “Do” (Way) as something to be achieved at a spe- essary for the current philosophy of Taekwondo. Practice and Training
cific level. During my teaching experience at the university, I’ve real-
In early June, Kukkiwon conducted its second high-ranking 3. Transitioning from Practical Knowledge to Living the Philos- Character Education, Spirit, and ized that assisting students in discovering their genuine as-
promotion examination for 428 candidates seeking promo- ophy: While knowledge is understanding what a practitioner Philosophy Required for a Taekwondo Practitioner pirations through diverse experiences is the true calling of a
tions from 6th to 9th Dan. The training journey of Han, Kwon can achieve, life should be viewed as reaching self-fulfillment When students enroll in a major focused on Taekwondo, it’s mentor. Attempting to derive the ‘athletic significance’ from
sang, who achieved the 9th Dan (57, Professor of Taekwon- and becoming a desirable member of society. imperative to inspire them with the vision of their life’s goals the roots of Korean martial philosophy, such as Hwarangdo, or
do Diplomacy at Shin Sung University), was highlighted and 4. Understanding Taekwondo Aesthetics: There’s a need to and how they should endeavor to realize these dreams. In- great sages like Yi Hwang and Yi I, faces significant challenges
summarized. Han began his Taekwondo journey at 11 and has study the aesthetic characteristics of both Eastern and West- credibly grounded in the character education (etiquette), when trying to elucidate the philosophy of martial arts.
been instructing the discipline at various universities. The 9th ern sports, appreciate their differences and similarities, and spirit, and philosophy essential for a Taekwondo practitioner, Hence, the practitioners themselves must gain an understand-
Dan promotion consists of a practical examination, an inter- express them through practice and application. efforts should be made to instill the importance of fundamen- ing of Taekwondo’s philosophy through their own experienc-
view, and a written essay on Taekwondo. 5. Expanding the Horizon of Taekwondo Ethics with Eastern tals in all areas (Taekwondo, physical education, societal inter- es and consciousness developed during their martial training.
actions, and professional environments). This requires a deep introspection and objectification of their
Across all fields, centering on character and fundamentals, training journey. This step defines the practitioner’s stance to-
it’s beneficial to offer specialized training in various domains, wards martial arts as an inherent category within themselves.
such as competitive sparring, poomsae teams, demonstration One can awaken to their own Taekwondo philosophy by
teams, and international instructor workshops. This allows for emphasizing the basics in each area and implementing their
a wide range of experiences. Students should be introduced training centered around these fundamentals.
to and guided through international Taekwondo internships
in various countries during school breaks. Regularly, while
focusing on their primary training discipline, it’s also advan-
tageous for students to participate in different category com-
petitions for a broader experience.
Furthermore, offering diverse classes allows students to earn
certifications and gain knowledge and experience in fields
beyond Taekwondo. This ensures that they’re prepared to
venture into various professional realms after graduation.
Invaluable global expertise can be provided by allowing stu-
dents to serve as instructors in Taekwondo schools or join
the Taekwondo Peace Corps, traveling to countries like the
United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. By
grasping and understanding the global currents of Taekwon-
do, they can broaden their perspectives and further cultivate Han, Kwon sang, 9th Dan, who attended the Kukkiwon’s 9th Dan Black Belt
Han, Kwan sang, the newly appointed 9th Dan (center), is instructing the students. their character. Ceremony on September 15, 2023.
70 71
EDUCATION Dojang Must Survive for Taekwondo To Survive <3>
A Systematic The head of the dojang represents the Taekwondo dojang and
can sometimes be referred to as the CEO of a company. However,
ture and roles required for improving the quality of dojang
education and generating profit. Daily, weekly, monthly, and
Strategy Meeting
let's look at Taekwondo dojang management from the past to yearly outcomes can differ depending on how meetings are
the present. The operation was about something other than or- conducted according to their purpose and how results are
ganized, specialized management but rather a repetitive, rough- discussed. The distribution of tasks based on each instructor’s
Specialization
profit-making. This indicates that management was valued less timately contribute to achieving the grand objectives of Tae-
than education. Additionally, many dojangs are accustomed to kwondo dojang management.
a unilateral vertical structure of directives and execution, leading I would like to introduce a few examples of purpose-driven
Text and Photo by Kwon, Ki deok (Instructor, Korea Taekwondo Association)
to a lack of communication between leaders. However, as times meetings that were conducted in my Taekwondo dojang.
change and competition becomes fiercer, many Taekwondo
dojangs are introducing systematic, specialized management 1. Daily Meeting
systems, highlighting significant interest and effort in dojang The daily meeting is held in the form of a report on the status
In a company, departments with various specializations and management. and situation of the previous day’s training journal, including
expertise teams focus on their tasks and operate according attendance, absence, enrollment, and injuries. The meeting
to their specific roles. Thus, when jobs are to be delegated encompasses plans for training to be carried out on the day
or matters to address, they always act with others. Instead, and all the necessary training materials. This is very similar to
they use many meetings, reports, and organized communi- Specializing in Management Means directive and reporting meetings conducted in corporations.
cation channels to distribute and handle tasks effectively. Creating a System of Organization The head of the dojang concludes the meeting by giving addi-
Consequently, corporations are fundamentally organized and tional instructions and delegating tasks based on the reports.
emphasize teamwork. Although production, logistics, distri- The average meeting time is between 30 to 40 minutes, end-
bution, IT, accounting, marketing, and HR management may Therefore, I emphasize introducing a systematic strategy ing in an uplifting atmosphere where everyone encourages
seem to operate independently, they work cohesively towards meeting system as the starting point for the development of one another. Additionally, the day’s objectives are aligned
a singular corporate goal: maximizing profit and growth. All Taekwondo dojang management and as the starting point for with the meeting’s agenda.
these chains of operations collaboratively fulfill their respec- the competitiveness and change of the Taekwondo dojang.
tive roles. “Are you holding meetings? If so, from where to where, when,
and how are they conducted?” In the past, many Taekwondo
dojangs used training journals as the basis for their meetings,
but these were merely simple records. These training jour-
nals, which recorded the theme of the training program, at-
tendance, and absences, summarized the day’s schedule and
reported it. Beyond serving as a daily recap, they didn’t offer
much more.
From now on, meetings should be critical in invigorating Tae-
kwondo dojang management. Through this, we can strength-
en internal communication within the dojang, make import-
ant decisions, and approach the themes of training programs
and attendance/absence statuses with a broader perspective.
According to Goo, Ki wook (2013), an internationally certified
Facilitator, business meetings can be classified into seven
categories based on their purpose: ▲ First, Directive and Re-
porting Meetings ▲ Second, Creative Planning and Develop-
ment Meetings ▲ Third, Decision-making Meetings ▲ Fourth,
Meetings for Conflict and Problem Resolution ▲ Fifth, Infor-
mation Sharing Meetings ▲ Sixth, Meetings for Solidarity and
Bonding ▲ Seventh, Capacity Building Meetings.
72 73
2. Weekly Regular Meeting opportunities, and threats and identifies your competitive
Regular weekly meetings are held at the end of each week’s advantage. The primary environmental analysis is very im-
training or at a specific time and place to discuss and share in- portant because it forms the basis of your strategy. Compa-
formation until a conclusion is reached. The meeting is a time nies with organizations and teams still use the 3Cs, McKinsey’s
for discussion, information gathering, and sharing, prioritizing 7Ss, SWOT, and external environment as the basis of their
tasks and events for the previous week, the current week, and strategy to ensure the success of new products and ideas in
the upcoming week, resolving outstanding issues, and fulfill- the planning stages. Once the basic environmental analysis is
ing each other’s duties. completed, the strategy is developed to include the STP and
marketing mix. We also have management-level marketing to
3. Strategic Planning Meeting keep our customers happy.
A strategic planning meeting is the most important meeting Finally, we take a holistic view of the expected before-and-af-
in my dojang. The meeting is a time to select a strategic topic, ter results of executing the current strategy topic to predict
analyze the internal and external environment, forecast, im- the expected effects and ramifications. This leads to a final-
plementation structure, and competitive environment, and ized conclusion and the execution phase. Of course, after the
develop ideas to make it successful. execution, the strategy can be modified through feedback
It also uses analytical research for strategic marketing, cen- based on the results.
tered on the marketing process of renowned marketing
scholar Dr. Philip Kotler. Environmental analysis is divided into 4. Ad Hoc Meeting
external and internal environments. External environmental Ad hoc meeting is an interim meeting for fixes, when you’re
analysis examines the macro environment, implementation in the execution phase, or when a problem arises in the pro-
structure, and competitive landscape. The internal environ- cess, and you have a short time to focus your thoughts and
mental analysis examines the 3Cs: Company, Competitor, and efforts for a better outcome. It’s a meeting that always leaves
Customer; the company’s differentiation strategy; the com- room for leaders to move from time to time, but also takes ad-
petitor’s uniqueness; and the customer’s needs. vantage of short breaks to address urgent issues that need to
The well-known SWOT environmental analysis follows this. be addressed, such as the problem at hand or something that
It objectively examines your dojang’s strengths, weaknesses, needs to be fixed or changed urgently.
74 75
EDUCATION
Learning Taekwondo
Techniques Back When you turn, you don't turn in a circle, and when you kick,
your heel should be higher than your toes.
1. Prepare the kicking stance.
Through PIctures <3> Kick 2. Determine the direction you want to kick and rotate your body around your hips.
3. Kick with the heel of your back foot in a straight line toward your target.
4. Lower the kicked foot in front and return to the kicking stance.
Text by Nam, Seung hyun <1> Ahp Chagi (Front Kick), Yeop Chagi (Side Kick)
(Director of the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team)
Model Yang, Won hee <2> Axe Kick, Thrashing Kick
(Member of the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team) <3> Back Kick, Back Spin Hook Kick
Photo by Kukkiwon
<4> Basic Kick Combinations
76 77
Back Spin Back Spin Hook Kick
1. Prepare the kicking stance.
2. D etermine the direction you want to kick and rotate your body around
Hook Kick your hips.
3. Bring your back foot diagonally up towards your target and kick face
horizontally with the sole of your foot.
4. Lower the kicked foot in front and return to the kicking stance.
78 79
GLOBAL
Hijab,
her form while wearing a hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram like Turkey do not penalize women for not wearing a hijab, and even other sports will draw positive inspiration from Ben-
while in places like Iran, it’s mandatory. Even within a single zina’s example.”
❷ Kübra Dağlı poses in her Taekwondo uniform without
her hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram country, standards for wearing the hijab can vary based on re-
Women's Sports,
gion, customs, and family norms. Does the Hijab Obstruct Equality?
❸ Figure skater Zahra Lari from the United Arab Emirates Until 2014, FIFA had prohibited female players from wearing a Even a decade after FIFA lifted the hijab-wearing restriction,
wearing the sports hijab. Ⓒ Nike
hijab during matches. The justification was a game regulation consensus has not been reached within the soccer world. In
and Taekwondo
that stated, “Players cannot wear unnecessary items that may June, the French State Council, France’s highest administrative
jeopardize their health and safety.” Without fully understand- court, ruled that there was no issue with the French Football
ing the significance of the hijab, it was seemingly treated on Federation (FFF) policy prohibiting female soccer players from
par with jewelry like earrings or necklaces. wearing the hijab.
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member) However, even after FIFA allowed Muslim female soccer play-
ers to wear hijabs in 2014, for nearly a decade until Benzina’s The FFF and the French court diverged from FIFA's stance be-
appearance, no player donned one on the World Cup main cause expressing personal religious beliefs by wearing the hi-
stage. This suggests that more than the permissibility of wear- jab violates the ‘principle of equality.’ While individuals have
ing a hijab during sports matches, it’s crucial whether a coun- the right to express their beliefs on the field proudly, there is
try provides an environment conducive for women to enjoy significance in upholding a mutual agreement not to display
On July 30th, a match in Adelaide, Australia, between South Korea and Morocco during the group stage second round of the 2023 sports. such beliefs. The State Council explained, “The FFF’s decision
Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup set a small yet significant milestone in world football history. While it was notewor- Morocco became the first Muslim-majority country spanning to prohibit symbols or clothing that reveal one’s political, phil-
thy that Morocco, making their Women’s World Cup debut, secured their first-ever victory by defeating South Korea 1-0, an even the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa to qualify osophical, or religious affiliation is appropriate. The respon-
more significant ‘event’ accompanied this match. On that day, Moroccan defender Nuhaila Benzina entered the field wearing a Hijab for the Women’s World Cup main stage. This accomplishment sibility and authority to regulate clothing and equipment to
()با َج ِ ح, adhering to her cultural and religious beliefs. She was the first-ever player to compete in the Women’s World Cup wearing a stemmed from the nation’s steady growth in women’s soccer, ensure the safety of players and compliance with game rules
Hijab. set against a religious and cultural backdrop where women lie with the FFF. This may involve restricting the freedom to
When discussing the growth story of women’s sports, the conversation about the Hijab is inseparable. This is because the advance- can choose whether or not to wear a hijab. Benzina plays for express opinions and beliefs.”
ment of women athletes’ rights has paralleled the international sports policy changes regarding the wearing of the Hijab. Interest- a prestigious team that has won the Moroccan women’s soc-
ingly, among various sports, Taekwondo first proactively allowed female athletes to wear the Hijab and opened its doors. It’s an cer league eight times, making her the top national women’s This decision, which might seem outdated at first glance, is an-
essential piece of sports knowledge that anyone involved in Taekwondo should know. soccer star. chored in France’s principle of ‘Laïcité,’ which strictly separates
80 81
politics from religion. In France, laws prohibit all members, was officially codified. After two years of deliberation, 2009 it Look at the Achieve-
except visitors, in schools and government institutions from was formally announced that hijabs could be worn in all inter- ment, Not the Hijab
wearing clothing that signifies religious meaning, such as the national competitions, including the Olympics. Many human rights orga-
hijab. In connection with this, Gérald Darmanin, the French nizations criticize the hijab,
Interior Minister, emphasized, “It’s not just soccer. Wearing re- Subsequently, countries in the Middle East, including Iran, ex- claiming it oppresses Mus-
ligious clothing in any sport you wish to play is inappropriate. perienced a surge in the popularity of women’s Taekwondo, lim women culturally and
In the sports arena, there’s no need to know the religion of the which many attribute to this inclusive rule. In Iran, as the pop- religiously. However, when
person you’re up against.” ularity of Taekwondo soared, an exciting side effect emerged viewed from the perspective
due to their unique system where women train, coach, and of sports, it’s undeniable
She Just Took Off Her Hijab referee among themselves: a significant increase in job op- that the hijab has paved the
In the Islamic world, numerous countries, in stark contrast to portunities related to Taekwondo for women. way for countless Muslim fe-
France, mandate wearing the hijab, with Iran being a notable male athletes to break bar-
example. Last year, Iranian female chess player Sara Khadem The hijab-friendly policy championed by Taekwondo soon riers and venture into new
attended the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Rapid & spread to most other sports disciplines. In line with this trend, domains. The evolution of
Blitz Chess World Championship in Kazakhstan without wear- sports equipment companies quickly adapted. In 2017, Nike women’s Taekwondo with-
ing a hijab. She faced possible punishment for violating her ❼ introduced a sports hijab for Muslim women, drawing signif- in the Islamic world stands
country’s laws. Ultimately, Khadem migrated to Spain with her icant attention. Named the ‘Pro Hijab,’ Nike advertised it as as a testament. Instead of
family and was granted Spanish nationality and citizenship ❻❼ Taekwondo star Kübra Dağlı from Turkey is showcasing her form stretchy and breathable material, ensuring it stays in place being hindered by the hijab,
with a special permit from the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
while wearing a hijab. Ⓒ Dağlı Instagram
even during intense movements. Zahra Lari, a figure skater women have been allowed ❾
from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), commented, “The mere to practice Taekwondo. While ❾ İrem Yaman poses in her Taekwon-
It’s known that Khadem’s decision to change her nationality fact that a hijab designed for athletes exists is already moving. there was a time when the do uniform without her hijab. Ⓒ
was influenced by the plight of a fellow athlete who faced For those who, for their reasons, choose to wear the hijab and hijab, seen as ‘religious at- Dağlı Instagram
repercussions after competing without a hijab in a sports compete, it’ll significantly enhance their performance.” tire,’ was prohibited in inter-
climbing event hosted in South Korea. Iranian female climber national competitions, the
Elnaz Rekabi competed in the Asian Climbing Championships mood shifted, and most countries now embrace its inclusion. It’s
in Seoul wearing a hairband instead of a hijab. Once news of fortunate that in regions where cultural restrictions make it chal-
her appearance reached Iran, she faced significant challeng- the hijab in France and Iran are opposites. Yet, in the crossfire lenging for women to freely engage in Taekwondo, a mere com-
es upon her return. It was later revealed that she had been between the right to enjoy sports and religious beliefs, the mitment to “covering part of the face” allows them to embody
banned from leaving the country by Iranian women’s sports women in both countries face a “forced choice.” the spirit of the sport and compete on an international stage.
organizations, preventing her from participating in interna-
tional competitions. CNN reported that “Rekabi’s family home Taekwondo Changed the Hijab Culture Sports human rights experts unanimously express the hope
was forcibly demolished During the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the Qatari women’s that someday, Muslim female athletes will have the complete
by Iranian authorities” and basketball team, slated to play their first match against Mon- freedom to choose whether or not to wear the hijab. They
aired footage of her trou- golia, withdrew due to FIBA’s (International Basketball Fed- acknowledge that resolving this issue may take time, stating,
bled brother, Dabood. eration) regulation forbidding wearing any headgear during “Until then, it’s vital to continually secure the right and posi-
matches. When officials instructed the Qatari players to re- tion to compete on stages that match their skill, even if they
While Iran has a conserva- move their hijabs in compliance with this rule, the team chose choose to wear the hijab.” Ideally, the focus on whether or not
tive societal atmosphere to forfeit the game regarding their religious beliefs. Facing an athlete wears a hijab should not be a point of public in-
due to religious and cultural significant backlash domestically and internationally, FIBA terest. On this topic, Kübra Dağlı, a Taekwondo star from Tur-
reasons, it doesn’t entirely revised their regulations two years later to allow ‘headgear,’ key who has competed in various international competitions
prohibit women from par- categorizing the hijab as a type of permitted headgear. wearing a hijab, pointed out, “Western media always paid at-
ticipating in sports. Women tention to my hijab rather than my achievements. That needs
can’t train alongside men, Among Olympic sports, Taekwondo has been at the forefront to change. It should be our achievements and success stories,
❻ female coaches must pre- of breaking barriers associated with the hijab. A decade be- not the hijab, that get the attention.”
pare female athletes, and fore the Incheon Asian Games incident in 2004, Taekwondo
women must referee matches—these are some stringent allowed Muslim women to wear the hijab during official com- The world should appreciate these athletes’ talent and skill
❽
rules. And there’s one non-negotiable principle: the wearing petitions, aiming to provide them with equal opportunities to rather than their attire.
of the hijab. practice the sport. After a controversial event in 2007 where
❽ Iranian-born chess player Sara Khadem appeared in an international
Even though both countries claim to uphold “fundamental five female players wearing hijabs were disqualified from a re- competition without wearing a hijab and had to seek asylum in Spain.
principles based on national beliefs,” the policies regarding gional Taekwondo tournament in Quebec, Canada, this rule Ⓒ Khadem Instagram
82 83
GLOBAL
AFRICA
Miracle of South Sudan:
Taekwondo as an Instrument of Peace
Text by Song, Ji hoon (Editorial Board Member) Photo by South Sudan Taekwondo Association
Thanks to the film “Don’t Cry for Me Sudan”, which covers the sacrificial story of the late Father Lee, Tae seok, South Sudan, one of
the poorest countries in Africa, is well-known in South Korea. In this nation, plagued by longstanding famine, war, and relentless
epidemics, Taekwondo has become a beacon of hope. Amidst these harsh conditions, the people of South Sudan embrace sports
as a new hope, with the “spirit of Taekwondo” serving as a solid pillar of support. The citizens of South Sudan affectionately refer
to Koreans, who generously support the spread of Taekwondo in both spirit and resources, as ‘Sabi’ (an indigenous African word
meaning ‘friend’), signifying their warmth and camaraderie.
The Taekwondo equipment donation ceremony occurred at a local
South Sudan school. Im, Heung se (right), the Vice Chairman of the
South Sudan Olympic Committee, is often called the “Godfather of A Martial Art of Peace to Heal the Wounds of War
South Sudanese sports” from Korea.
Taekwondo Leads the Way to IOC Membership Recently, in Juba, there have been a few indoor spaces where
South Sudan, separated from Sudan in 2011, marks its 13th people can learn Taekwondo in proper uniforms, but these
year as a newly independent country in East Africa. It is a are still in the minority. Many still learn Taekwondo outdoors
landlocked nation, bordering Ethiopia to the east, the Cen- Practicing “Taekwondo” with the Homeland South Korea amidst challenging conditions.
tral African Republic to the west, Uganda and Kenya to the The spread of Taekwondo in South Sudan began in 2012, a One of the reasons the people of South Sudan are drawn to
south, and Sudan to the north. Sadly, 80% of its population year after its independence. The starting point was when Taekwondo is its emphasis on defense over offense, repre-
is under 18, a lamentable change due to the prolonged wars Lieutenant Kim, Sung soo (7th Dan certified by Kukkiwon), senting it as a “martial art of peace.” Honorary Chairman Kim,
the country has experienced. Since its independence, in- who served as a helicopter pilot under the UN peacekeeping Ki chun stated, “The history of South Sudan is essentially a his-
ter-tribal conflicts have led to several civil wars, resulting in forces, began teaching the locals. After the first-generation tory of war. Most of its people have experienced wars, both
over 400,000 international refugees. students of Lt Kim visited Kukkiwon, sponsored by the South large and small, even before its independence, and thus, they
Sports have taken on the symbolic role of national recon- Sudan Korean Association, and received training, they started have a deep yearning for peace. Many South Sudanese reso-
struction after South Sudan's independence. Under the their activities as instructors. Taekwondo began to take root in nate with the core principles of Taekwondo, which emphasize
leadership of Im, Heung se, the Vice-Chairman of the South South Sudan firmly. courtesy and treating everyone with equality.”
Sudan Olympic Committee (SSOC) and often referred to as Subsequently, the promotion of Taekwondo within South Su- Vice Chairman Im, Heung se said, “Recently, the frequency of
the “Godfather of South Sudanese Sports”, South Sudan dan primarily took place in police academies, military bases, civil wars in South Sudan has been decreasing, and the nation
joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as its and officer training schools. Due to the harsh living condi- is quickly moving towards a period of stability. We hope that
206th member nation in 2015. To become an IOC member, tions, even after a decade, no Taekwondo dojangs in South the spirit of Taekwondo will serve as a focal point for the new
a country must join more than five international sports or- Sudan operate on the Korean concept of collecting student generation.” He further added, “We are preparing a project to
ganizations. Taekwondo, having already joined the World fees. Centered around the South Sudan Taekwondo Associa- send promising talents to Kukkiwon for training, aiming to en-
Taekwondo ) in 2012, led the forefront of the “South Sudan tion, Taekwondo classes are conducted in over 10 locations in hance the international competitiveness of Taekwondo.”
IOC Membership Campaign.” Subsequently, sports organi- and around Juba’s capital. In each area, dozens to hundreds of
zations for nine sports, including table tennis, basketball, students gather to learn Taekwondo.
volleyball, and boxing, were established quickly. Kim, Ki chun, an honorary chairman of the South Sudan Tae-
A year later, in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, South Su- kwondo Association and a former president of the South Su-
dan formed its national team and participated for the first dan Korean Association, has been funding the training equip-
time since its establishment. This united the hearts of its citi- ment, including uniforms and mats, as well as the salaries of
zens, devastated by prolonged civil wars. Vice-Chairman Im, the instructors for over a decade. He said, “Organizations in
Heung se explained, “When our athletes, bearing the South Korea, including Kukkiwon, the Taekwondo Promotion Foun-
PEACE
Sudanese flag, entered the Olympic opening ceremony in dation, Korea National Sport University, the Korea Sports
Rio, the entire country was in tears. The Korean sports com- Promotion Foundation, and the Future Hope Organization,
munity took responsibility for many aspects, from the ath- provide significant support by supplying Taekwondo-related
letes’ uniforms to sponsorship for each sport. This is why the items. Despite the challenging conditions, seeing the sincere
Vice Chairman Im, Heung se of the South Sudan Olympic Committee
people of South Sudan regard South Korea, located on the The instructor (right) and young trainees from a local Taekwondo class in dedication of the people of South Sudan to Taekwondo train- (center) led the South Sudan Taekwondo athletes to participate in the
opposite side of the globe, as a brother-like friend.” South Sudan. ing fills me with hope and passion.” 2015 Chuncheon Korea Open and visited the Kukkiwon.
84 85
GLOBAL TAEKWONDO WORLD
TAEKWONDO N ews From KOREA Text and Photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations
News
2023 Foreigner Taekwondo Exhibition & Korean Traditional 2023 Taekwondo Day Commemorative
Culture Festival Held Successfully Ceremony Held at Taekwondowon
86 87
TAEKWONDO News from Around The World Text and Photo by Kukkiwon Public Relations Madagascar
News Madagascar Triumphs
in Taekwondo at the Indian Ocean Games
Bolivia Fiji From August 24 to 27, the Indian Ocean Games took place in Mad-
agascar. In this quadrennial event, where seven nations compete
to showcase their skills, six countries – including host nation Mad-
Business Agreement Ceremony with The Wave of Taekwondo Passion Resonates in agascar, Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius, Maldives, and Comoros –
the Deputy Chief of Bolivia’s Police Force the Small Island Nation of Tuvalu battled for the title in Taekwondo. Madagascar won 13 gold, eight
MOU for the Advancement of silver, and three bronze medals.
Text and Photo by Ra, Sang hyun (Dispatched Instructor to Fiji)
Police Taekwondo Following the Military Despite challenging circumstances, where they only had one week
of practice due to the electronic hogus (protective gear) not arriv-
Text and photo by Park, Jun seok (Dispatched Instructor to
Bolivia) ing on time, Madagascar’s triumph was all the more remarkable.
Interestingly, Taekwondo almost didn’t make it as an event in these
games. Upon hearing the news of the potential exclusion of Tae-
kwondo, the South Korean embassy in Madagascar, along with
Lee, Jung moo, the dispatched Kukkiwon instructor, engaged in
discussions with government officials, ensuring that Taekwondo
remained a part of the competition.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Royal Guard Recognizes
the Value of Taekwondo
On August 25, in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, a busi- Text and Photo by Lee, Byung hee (Dispatched Instructor to Malaysia)
88 89
Indonesia Sri Lanka Turkmenistan
The 2023 Ambassador of Korea Cup in Sri Lanka South Korean Ambassador’s Cup
Honorary Black Belt Awarded to an Active Four-Star General Taekwondo Championship Broadcasted
Stands as the Premier Martial Arts Event
for His Contribution to Transforming Taekwondo from an Optional to a Mandatory Martial Art Live Nationwide for the First Time
Text and Photo by Lee, Ki su (Dispatched Instructor to Sri Lanka)
Text and Photo by Kwak, Young min (Dispatched Instructor to Indonesia) Text and Photo by
Lee, Jae soo (Dispatched Instructor to Turkmenistan)
The 2023 Ambassador of Ko-
rea Cup Taekwondo Cham-
pionship, sponsored by the
Embassy of Korea in Sri Lanka
and organized by the Sri Lan-
ka Taekwondo Association,
concluded its finals and award ceremony on July 8 at the BMICH
in Colombo. This event, featuring recognized Poomsae, freestyle The Turkmenistan Taekwondo Federation
Poomsae, team sparring, and Taekwondo gymnastics, has solidi- hosted the 11th South Korean Ambassa-
fied its position as the premier martial arts event in Sri Lanka and dor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship over
a platform for public cultural diplomacy. Over 2,000 participants two days, starting from July 15 at the Olym-
graced the finals and award ceremony. Notably, the presence of pic Stadium in Ashgabat, the capital city.
In August, Muhammad Ali, the Chief of Staff of the Indone- Forces, the police, the Ministry of Sports, and the National the Deputy Minister of Sports in Sri Lanka, the President and ex- In this championship, which only included
sian Navy, received an honorary 6th Dan certificate from Taekwondo Association attended the ceremony. Kim, Moo ecutives of the Taekwondo Association, the Vice-Chairman of the sparring matches, 215 participants fiercely
Kukkiwon for his contributions in transforming Taekwondo Cheon, a director from Kukkiwon, presented the honorary National Olympic Committee, military generals, the Chairman of competed for medals. Notably, this event
from an optional martial art to a mandatory one within the black belt to Chief of Staff Ali. Within the Indonesian Armed the CISM Taekwondo Committee, high-ranking police officials, marked the first time a local Taekwondo
Navy and Marine Corps. This holds significant meaning as Forces, Kwak, Young min, the Kukkiwon dispatched instruc- and leaders of Korean associations, not only illuminated the championship in Turkmenistan was broad-
it’s the first time in the history of Indonesian Taekwondo tor, and Major General Rakshaman Muda Edwin (two-star event but also underscored its significance. cast live nationwide.
that an active four-star general has been awarded an honor- general) are responsible for the promotion and guidance of
ary black belt. Representatives from the Indonesian Armed Taekwondo.
Jordan
Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team On August 5, an invited performance by the Kukkiwon
Pakistan Shines at the Ambassador of Korea Taekwondo
Tournament in Jordan
Taekwondo Demonstration Team and the Ambassa-
dor of Korea Taekwondo Tournament in Jordan took
place at Princess Sumaya Hall in the Amman Sports
Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea, Munir: “Promoting The Embassy of Pakistan in Korea hosted a banquet
Text and Photo by Lee, Chul kwon (Dispatched Instructor to Jordan) City in Jordan. The opening ceremony was attended
Pakistan’s National Prestige through Taekwondo” on August 18-20 in honor of the medalists from
by not only officials from the Jordan Taekwondo As-
the World Beach Taekwondo Championships and
sociation but also approximately 1,500 Taekwondo
Text and Photo by Choi, Sung oh (Dispatched Instructor to Pakistan) the World Octagon Diamond Games, held in Son-
practitioners and instructors, who gave generous
gam Sports Town, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.
applause for the high-quality performance of the
Pakistan clinched a bronze medal in the Poomsae
Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. For the
doubles event for men and women under 30 at the
cadet category (ages 12-14) of the tournament, about
World Beach Championships and another bronze in
100 players from Jordan participated. As a particular
the over 80 kg category at the World Octagon Dia-
segment, a demonstration by young trainees learn-
mond Games. Nabeel Munir, Ambassador of Paki-
ing Taekwondo in Zaatari and Azraq Syrian refugee
stan to Korea, remarked, “In Pakistan, cricket often
camps in northern Jordan made the event even more
takes the limelight regarding sports. However, I’m
meaningful.
grateful that Taekwondo recognizes Pakistan inter-
nationally by achieving great results.”
※ Kukkiwon has dispatched 53 Taekwondo instructors to 55 countries worldwide. The instructors dispatched abroad have brought
back global Taekwondo news.
90 91
PHOTO NEWS The 17th 3rd Degree Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Qualification Training
The Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Training Center held the 17th 3rd Degree Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Qualification Training
from August 12th to 14th at the Yeongcheon Indoor Gymnasium in North Gyeongsang Province. As part of the ‘Mobile Training Edu-
cation’ initiative, the training was conducted amidst the enthusiastic participation of 202 trainees and included segments on a) Key
Techniques b) Basic Movements Using Tools c) Combined with Actions of Key Techniques. Amidst a heatwave that saw temperatures
rise to 32℃, the Training Center and the North Gyeongsang Province Taekwondo Association took special care to ensure the train-
ees were not overly tired. Since the beginning of this year, Kukkiwon has been vigorously promoting and establishing Taekwondo
self-defense instruction and education, aiming for the ‘Activation of Mobile Taekwondo Self-defense Instructor Training and Educa-
tion.’
Instructors Choi, Jeong heon (left) and Yoon, Bong sik demonstrate Taekwondo
self-defense's main techniques.
The 202 participants are divided into two groups, receiving detailed guid- The instructors are immersed in teaching the precise techniques of Taekwondo Before the practical training, Kim, Chung hwan, the instructor of
ance. The seriousness can be discerned from their precise movements self-defense, correcting each participant's posture individually. the training institute (right), explains the theory of self-defense. To
and postures without any deviations. his left is Instructor Ku, Beom jun.
92 93
GRAPHIC NEWS Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo <2> Boosting Confidence
The Kukkiwon Taekwondo Research Institute conducted a meta-analysis of 803 domestic academic papers
from 1985 to 2019 to investigate the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of consistent practice of
Taekwondo. Meta-analysis is a method that systematically categorizes existing research results and quantita-
tively synthesizes specific influences, recognized as the highest level of evidence in the current scientific and
medical community.
When comparing individuals who practiced Taekwondo for 12 weeks with those who did not, it was found that
practicing Taekwondo led to approximately a) a 6.9% increase in feelings of self-respect in a social context, b) a
7.0% increase in feelings of self-respect academically, c) a 7.0% improvement in the ability to assess one’s physi-
cal abilities, and d) a 4.4% enhancement in the ability to express physical self-confidence. Consistent practice at
least three times a week for 12 weeks is necessary to achieve these improvement effects through Taekwondo
training.
These results suggest that individuals who engage in regular Taekwondo training develop self-belief and hap-
piness, leading to a positive attitude where they feel confident to take on challenges. The improvement in
self-respect and physical self-confidence through Taekwondo training reflects the inherent value of self-culti-
vation in Taekwondo.
While it is expected that social and physical aspects would improve through Taekwondo training, the increase
in self-confidence academically is a noteworthy result. This phenomenon may be attributed to the unique
values embedded in Taekwondo training, but it is also likely influenced by the surrounding environment, in-
cluding instructors and programs. The fact that Taekwondo extends beyond martial arts to offer various values
is a fascinating phenomenon.
※ Detailed information can be found on the Kukkiwon website (www.kukkiwon.or.kr) Taekwondo Research → “Academic Data and
Information” → “Academic Material” (No. 26).
94 95
CALENDAR
OCTOBER
25
2
26
3
27
4
2023 28
5
29
6
30
7
1
8
28
6
29
7
1
8
2
9
3
10
NOVEMBER
11
5
12
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 1 2 3
30 31 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
96 97
CALENDAR
DECEMBER
2023
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
98 99