In an interview with the Seoul Economic Daily on the 28th, President Lee Dong-seop of Kukkiwon revealed his aspirations for the globalization of Taekwondo. Emphasizing the significant influence of Taekwondo, with 200 million practitioners worldwide and Kukkiwon issuing Poom/Dan certificates in 204 countries, he announced plans to actively engage in public and cultural diplomacy through the Taekwondo Hanmaum Festival and the World Taekwondo Hanmadang, both held in the United States in May and July of this year.
President Lee, who took office as the head of Kukkiwon in January 2021 and holds a 9th Dan black belt in Taekwondo, has significantly contributed to Taekwondo's recognition as Korea's national martial art. He led the passage of the "Partial Amendment to the Taekwondo Promotion and Taekwondo Park Development Act," which includes the provision "Taekwondo shall be the national martial art of the Republic of Korea," in March 2018.
This year is particularly busy for President Lee as major events involving Taekwondo practitioners from around the world are being held in the United States. Notably, global figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend these events, drawing significant attention.
On May 18th, the Taekwondo Hanmaum Festival will be held in front of the White House, led by Choi Eung-gil, head of Kukkiwon's Virginia branch in the U.S., and former President Trump has been invited. This event, expected to attract 2,000 to 3,000 participants from around the world, will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the status and potential of Taekwondo.
From July 17th to 19th, the World Taekwondo Hanmadang will be held in Los Angeles (LA). This event, taking place at the LA Anaheim Convention Center, will provide a platform for communication and unity among the global Taekwondo family. It is also expected to strengthen Kukkiwon's global network within the U.S. and contribute to expanding cooperation between Korea and the U.S.
President Lee presented former President Trump with an honorary 9th Dan certificate in Taekwondo in November 2021. At that time, former President Trump praised Taekwondo and expressed his honor in receiving the certificate. The Taekwondo uniform signed by former President Trump is currently on display at the Kukkiwon Museum.
Although Taekwondo has been an official Olympic sport since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, there have been concerns about the decline in the skills of domestic athletes as athletes from other countries have improved. In response, President Lee explained that this is a positive outcome of the successful globalization of Taekwondo and that Korea, as the country of origin, should take a leading role in the development of Taekwondo.
President Lee plans to focus on establishing overseas support offices, branches, and offices to transform Kukkiwon into a "Kukkiwon in the World." He also aims to promote the spirit of Taekwondo worldwide and disseminate standardized examination systems and practical training. Currently, 100 overseas offices and two overseas branches have been established, and various events and projects will continue to be promoted to spread the spirit of Taekwondo to practitioners worldwide.
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