Kim Sang-jin Elected President of the Asian Taekwondo Union for 2025

Kuching, Malaysia – The Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), the most influential continental body in the sport, held one of its most contested presidential elections in recent years. With 33 votes to 29, Korean candidate Kim Sang-jin defeated fellow Korean and current Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) president Yang Jin-bang, securing the ATU presidency for the 2025–2029 term.

A Campaign Marked by Controversy

The election process was overshadowed by concerns from several member nations over the strong concentration of Korean leadership within Asian Taekwondo and suspicions that the ATU presidency could be used as a stepping stone toward higher global positions.

Yang Jin-bang’s candidacy suffered from longstanding moral controversies linked to past youth sports events and criticism over holding dual positions during his run for office. In contrast, Kim Sang-jin portrayed himself as a “field-driven practitioner” and a benefactor of emerging Taekwondo nations, pledging inclusive development and financial support for underrepresented countries.

Who is Kim Sang-jin?

Kim Sang-jin, former head of the Busan Taekwondo Association and a successful industrial entrepreneur, built his campaign on tangible achievements, including years of direct support for athletes and federations from resource-limited countries. His strategic pledges include:

Economic and technical support for developing nations
Digital modernization of ATU administration and events
Expanded youth and Para Taekwondo programs
Independent funding streams through strategic sponsorships

His hands-on background and philanthropy earned him strong backing from the current ATU Executive Board and several small and mid-sized member federations.

New ATU Executive Council (2025–2029)

The election also shaped a new Executive Council with geographic and gender diversity:

Vice Presidents

Mr. Jung Heon KIM
Mr. Shaddad Tali A ALAMRI
Ms. Nancy Adnan Hasan EL-HINDI

Council Members

Mr. Dirc Richard TALUMEWO
Mr. Raja Wasim AHMED
Mr. Arman CHILMANOV
Mr. Fady J. T. HUSSEIN
Mr. Stephen Estanislao Artemio Valenton FERNANDEZ
Ms. Byung Hee KIM
Mr. Kyungbae LEE

This composition brings experienced leaders together with new figures, including prominent female representation through Vice President Nancy El-Hindi and Council Member Byung Hee Kim.

Why This Matters Globally

The ATU is Asia’s governing body for Taekwondo, representing the world’s largest practitioner base and serving as the principal producer of Olympic champions. The outcome of this election is expected to influence not only Asia but also the balance of power within World Taekwondo (WT).

Kim Sang-jin’s victory, while narrow, sets high expectations for unity, transparency, and balanced development. However, given the tight vote and controversy surrounding the campaign, delivering on those promises may be the first real challenge of his presidency.