KUKKIWON HOLDS INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE 17TH AND 18TH CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD

KUKKIWON HOLDS INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE 17TH AND 18TH CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD

Kukkiwon hosted the inauguration ceremony for the 17th and 18th Chairmen of the Board at 11:00 a.m. on February 6 at the Kukkiwon Central Training Hall in Seoul.

Approximately 300 distinguished guests attended the event, including Kukkiwon President Woon-seok Yoon, Korea Taekwondo Association President Jin-bang Yang, Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman Joong-heon Kim, Kukkiwon Council of Elders Chairman Seung-wan Lee, Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Hyeong-jae Kim, Gangnam-gu Vice Mayor Jin-man Kim, Gangnam-gu Council Vice Chair Bok-jin Kyung, and Sang-wook Won, President of the Incheon Sports Association and mentor to the newly inaugurated Chairman.

The ceremony proceeded in the following order: opening declaration, national ceremony, introduction of distinguished guests, retirement address, inauguration address, presentation of a plaque of appreciation, welcome remarks, congratulatory speeches, commemorative photo session, and closing declaration.

In his inaugural address, Chairman Soon-myung Noh expressed his deep sense of responsibility upon assuming the position as the 18th Chairman of the Board.

Emphasizing the importance of collective intelligence, he stated that he would work together with the global Taekwondo family to find ways for Taekwondo to grow in harmony with the era of artificial intelligence. He also pledged to lead the Board of Directors through communication and unity, respecting diverse opinions and experiences, and to help Kukkiwon further strengthen its role as an institution contributing to humanity worldwide.

Former 17th Chairman Gap-gil Jeon reflected on his tenure in his farewell address, describing it as a great honor and an invaluable experience. He expressed his continued support for the development of Kukkiwon and the future of Taekwondo. Chairman Noh presented a plaque of appreciation to former Chairman Jeon in recognition of his dedication and contributions.

In his welcome remarks, Kukkiwon President Ung-seok Yoon conveyed his gratitude to former Chairman Jeon for his commitment and extended his congratulations to Chairman Noh on his inauguration, calling for continued support and active participation for the future of Kukkiwon and Taekwondo.

Congratulatory speeches followed from the heads of major Taekwondo organizations and distinguished officials. In addition, congratulatory messages were delivered by National Assembly Member Myeong-ok Seo, KSPO President Hyeong-ju Ha, and Asian Canoe Confederation Secretary General Eun-seok Kim.

Chairman Soon-myung Noh was elected during the 10th Extraordinary Board Meeting held on December 10, 2025, and officially assumed office on December 23 after receiving approval from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in accordance with the Kukkiwon Statutes.