Yoon Woong-seok, the former director of the Kukkiwon Training Institute, has been elected as the 18th president of the Kukkiwon, pledging to enhance the status of taekwondo as the martial art's home country.
In a statement on September 23, the newly elected president declared, "I will elevate taekwondo's status with a 'one team' mindset, ensuring that every taekwondo practitioner can contribute to the continued global momentum of K-Taekwondo." He emphasized his plan to integrate taekwondo into Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects to solidify its global foundation.
Yoon's vision includes providing opportunities for athletes from underdeveloped nations in Africa and Central and South America to compete in the Olympics and World Championships. His administration plans to support various programs, including direct instructor training, which will enable local taekwondo masters to establish the discipline's culture from its home country. By localizing taekwondo, Yoon aims to expand the reach of K-Taekwondo while simultaneously promoting K-culture.
Yoon secured his victory in the election on September 19, receiving 737 votes (47.21%) out of 1,561 valid votes cast by taekwondo practitioners, including both domestic and international masters. He expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "My election is the result of the collective effort of taekwondo practitioners worldwide. I will repay this trust not with words, but with actions." He pledged to make Kukkiwon a "world taekwondo headquarters" that is trusted by practitioners and recognized globally.
With over 45 years of experience operating a taekwondo studio, Yoon is an expert in both administration and practice. His extensive career includes serving as the inaugural member of the Korea Taekwondo Association's Special Committee for Dojang Support, national team coach, chair of the Technical Committee, and director of the Kukkiwon Training Institute. This deep experience has earned him the trust and respect of the taekwondo community.
Yoon's agenda focuses on transparency and fairness within Kukkiwon, aiming to create a foundation where the next generation of taekwondo practitioners can take pride in their art. He also plans to strengthen cooperation with global taekwondo leaders to transform Kukkiwon into a global hub.
In addition to global initiatives, Yoon is committed to developing taekwondo within Korea. He highlighted the need to revitalize Silver Taekwondo in an aging society. He announced plans to work with relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, to develop and implement programs that promote healthy aging through taekwondo.
Yoon comes from a renowned "Taekwondo Family"—all four of his brothers, including himself, are 9th-degree black belts. His brother, Yoon Pan-seok, serves as a consultant for the Gwangju Taekwondo Association and president of the Gwangju Silver Taekwondo Association, and his other brother, Yoon Woong-cheol, is the president of the Gwangju Taekwondo Association. The late Yoon Oh-nam was the former dean of the College of Physical Education at Chosun University.
In closing, Yoon vowed to foster a transparent organizational culture and to be a "communicative president" who listens to and empowers taekwondo studios and their leaders. "I will create a new future of change and innovation that resonates with the front lines and the world," he said, asking for continued support for Kukkiwon's new leap forward.
Yoon's three-year term as president is set to begin on October 7, 2025.
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