ATU Elections: South Korea’s Three-Way Race Raises Tensions and Questions

The race for the presidency of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), scheduled to take place in mid-July in Malaysia, has entered a tangled and controversial phase. With three prominent South Korean figures considering a run, concerns are mounting among observers and voters about the risk of splitting the Korean vote—and the potential consequences for the region’s leadership in global Taekwondo.

The three likely contenders are Yang Jin-Bang, current ATU Vice President and President of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA); Kim Sang-Jin, ATU Vice President and newly elected Vice President of the KTA; and Jung Kook-Hyun, ATU Executive Committee Member and former Secretary General of the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation.

Kim Sang-Jin: The First to Step Forward

Kim was the first to publicly declare his candidacy. At a January ATU event held at Gachon University, he spoke of the need to reform and modernize the organization with a strong management strategy. He even pledged to contribute personal funds to help relocate the ATU’s headquarters.

Just a week later, at a leadership transition ceremony for the Busan Taekwondo Association, Kim doubled down on his ambitions, citing a “master plan” that includes the relocation of the headquarters, expanded poomsae promotion, and support for developing nations across Asia.

Yang Jin-Bang Breaks His Silence

Yang had long expressed interest in the presidency, but held back out of deference to current ATU President Lee Kyu-Seok, who had signaled a desire for another term. However, as Kim gained momentum—reportedly with Lee’s support—Yang began taking strategic steps to enter the race.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Lee actively helped position Kim as a successor, supporting him both domestically and internationally. With the scales tipping in Kim’s favor, Yang and Jung felt compelled to act, determined to prevent the race from becoming a one-man show.

Though ATU regulations allow multiple candidates from a single country, critics argue that a three-way Korean contest would fracture support and potentially pave the way for a candidate from another nation.

Consensus or Collision?

Many within the Taekwondo community are urging the three potential candidates to reach a consensus and unite behind a single Korean nominee. President Lee himself is reportedly open to supporting whichever candidate emerges from such a consensus.

However, in a recent interview with Taekwondo Box Media, Kim claimed he is running because he was personally designated by President Lee—a statement that complicates the possibility of uniting the candidates behind a single figure.

Both Yang and Jung have strongly criticized that assertion, arguing that no candidate should base their legitimacy on the outgoing president’s personal endorsement, nor present themselves as a “chosen successor.”

The Stakes for Each Candidate

Yang faces an additional challenge: he was just elected KTA President in December. If elected ATU President, he would be required to resign from that position within a month, triggering new elections. Despite this, Yang has emphasized that his candidacy is not about ambition, but about the responsibility he feels to guide ATU through a pivotal moment.

Jung, who also holds positions within both ATU and World Taekwondo, remains noncommittal. He has voiced his concern over the optics of a triple Korean candidacy, but has also made it clear that he’s willing to run if no agreement is reached.

A Decisive Moment Ahead

The election will take place in mid-July in Malaysia, with approximately 60 voters participating—including delegates from the 44 ATU member nations and other senior officials. The outcome could reshape the power dynamics in Asian Taekwondo and mark the beginning of a new chapter for the sport across the continent.

What’s at stake is more than just a title—it’s the future direction of one of Taekwondo’s most influential regions. The question is whether South Korea will present a united front—or allow internal division to jeopardize a historic opportunity.

Source: <서성원 기자>