Park Chun Jae, 1982 World Champion, runs for World Taekwondo Vice Presidency

Seoul, South Korea — Legendary Taekwondo figure Park Chun Jae, gold medalist at the 1982 World Taekwondo Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has announced his candidacy for World Taekwondo (WT) Vice President for the 2025–2029 term.

His bid has resonated across the martial arts community, as it comes from a leader who once felt the mat beneath his feet and now seeks to bring that same authenticity to WT’s global leadership.

From World Champion to global leader

Representing Korea, Park Chun Jae won the gold medal in the –68 kg division at the 5th World Taekwondo Championships, held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from February 4 to 27, 1982, according to official World Taekwondo records.

That triumph placed him among the icons of Korea’s golden era in competitive Taekwondo and launched a lifetime career dedicated to teaching, diplomacy, and institutional service.

Today, Park serves as a WT Council Member, Kukkiwon Director, and official candidate for WT Vice President, as confirmed by the WT Election Candidate Profile Book 2025.

A campaign grounded in martial roots

Under the slogan “Respect · Inclusivity · Innovation”, Park’s platform focuses on reconnecting WT with the technical and human foundation of Taekwondo, promoting youth, women’s, and para-Taekwondo programs, and strengthening institutional collaboration with Kukkiwon and the continental unions.

“Leaders must have felt the sweat, the noise, and the impact of every kick,” Park stated during his presentation, emphasizing that the organization’s future “must remain faithful to the martial essence of Taekwondo.”

From experience to leadership

Beyond his athletic achievements, Park has actively engaged in educational and diplomatic initiatives, including Taekwondo programs for members of the U.S. Congress, which have bolstered his reputation as a cultural ambassador for Korean martial arts.

His experience on the mat — and the legacy of Guayaquil 1982 — now define a leadership vision rooted in discipline, integrity, and firsthand understanding of what it means to represent Taekwondo.