Analysis of the New Kyorugi Rule Updates 2025

A series of significant updates to the Kyorugi competition rules, officially effective as of the Dutch Open in March 2025 has been made. These changes aim to improve scoring clarity, enforce sportsmanship, and enhance the use of Instant Video Replay (IVR). This article outlines the key updates, compares them to previous interpretations, and analyzes their potential impact on athletes, coaches, and referees.

Key Changes to the Kyorugi Rules

Scoring with Punches

Only punches executed with the rear hand, using the knuckle part of a closed fist in a straight motion, will be considered valid for scoring.
Front-hand punches will no longer be scored, regardless of contact.

Attacks After “Kal-yeo”

Any attack performed after the referee calls “Kal-yeo” (stop) will be penalized, including:
- When the attacking foot leaves the floor after the command.
- When the attacking fist initiates movement from its original position after the command.
- When a leg already raised begins a new action after “Kal-yeo”.
If the attack starts before or at the same time as the command, no penalty will be applied.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Competitors are expected to stay engaged until the final second of each round.
If athletes are disengaged in the last 2–3 seconds, the referee will call “Gong-gyeok” (attack).
Ignoring this command will result in a penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Athletes who do not return to the center after the break will also receive a penalty.
Referees will enter the ring with 15 seconds left in the break, call athletes with 10 seconds remaining, and prepare to resume at the break’s end.

Coach Interference Protocol

Coaches must not interfere with referee or judge decisions.
Escalating process for interference:
- First time: Referee pauses the match and instructs the coach to sit down.
- Second time: The athlete is penalized.
- Third time: The coach receives a yellow card.
This protocol resets each round.
Two yellow cards issued to a coach in one match will result in disqualification of the athlete.

Instant Video Replay (IVR) Requests

Coaches may request up to two actions for IVR review within 5 seconds of the incident, even if unrelated:
- Head kicks not scored.
- Removal of penalties against their athlete.
- Penalties against the opponent for:
  - Exiting the boundary.
  - Falls.
  - Attacks after “Kal-yeo”.
  - Attacking a fallen opponent.
Limitations:
- Cannot request two penalties unless one is for post-“Kal-yeo” attack.
- Maximum of two head kick review requests per match.
- If both actions are upheld, the coach retains their IVR right.
- If one is upheld and the other rejected, the valid action is applied but the IVR right is lost.

Illegal Actions Prior to Head Kick Review

If a coach requests a head kick review, but video shows the attacking athlete first committed an infraction (e.g., fell, crossed boundary, attacked a downed opponent, or attacked after “Kal-yeo”), the IVR will be denied and the penalty will be applied instead.

Camera Issues

If replay is unavailable due to technical failure or obstruction (by the referee or athlete), the IVR request will be rejected, but the card will be returned to the coach.

Repositioning Near the Boundary Line

Referees will reset the fighters near the boundary line after:
- Issuing a penalty for stepping out.
- Issuing a penalty for evading near the boundary.
- A video review when positioning was near the edge or tactically relevant.

Comparison with Previous Interpretation

Aspect	Previous Rule	2025 Update
Punch Scoring	Both front and rear hand punches could score if effective.	Only rear-hand straight punches now score.
Attacks after Kal-yeo	Generally penalized without detailed distinctions.	Clearly defined actions that will result in a penalty.
Late-Round Activity	Less strict enforcement near round’s end.	Mandatory engagement; inactivity penalized after “Gong-gyeok”.
Coach Interference	Looser procedures for coach behavior.	Structured three-step penalty system including yellow cards.
IVR Requests	One request per match; less flexible criteria.	Two possible actions per request, with more defined rules.
Preceding Infractions	Not grounds to deny a valid head kick request.	Head kick IVRs can be denied if preceded by illegal actions.
Camera Malfunction	No specific rule on IVR loss.	IVR is denied, but coach retains their challenge.
Repositioning Protocol	Less specified.	Clear cases where repositioning applies near the boundary.

Coaches must now operate with greater discipline, as their actions can directly penalize their athletes. The IVR system becomes both more powerful and more delicate, requiring strategic judgment and fast reactions. For referees, the rules offer clearer authority and responsibility, particularly with boundary repositioning and late-round engagement.