MASTKD Received by Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk at the World Taekwondo Headquarters

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

MASTKD’s visit to Kukkiwon marks a significant moment for specialized Taekwondo journalism. The meeting was not only held at the World Taekwondo Headquarters, the institution responsible for preserving the technical, educational, and martial arts foundations of the discipline, but also included a personal reception by its president, Yun Ung-suk, Kukkiwon’s highest authority.

During the exclusive interview granted to MASTKD, Yun described Kukkiwon as the “root” that sustains the vitality and global growth of Taekwondo. In the same context, he emphasized that Taekwondo cannot be understood only through competition or victory, but as a martial art that builds character, teaches respect and courtesy, fosters a strong spirit, and strengthens the body.

The conversation addressed key issues for the future of the discipline: the evolution of TCON as a digital ecosystem for Dan and Poom certification, the impact of artificial intelligence on institutional management, the return of the World Taekwondo Hanmadang 2026 to Kukkiwon under the theme “The First Light,” and the need for a complementary relationship between Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo to strengthen a unified global identity without overlapping roles.

In that context, the Kukkiwon President also highlighted the role of specialized international media outlets such as MASTKD, defining them as a communication bridge with the global Taekwondo family—not only to report news and competition results, but also to convey stories, values, and visions that help foster Taekwondo into the 21st century.

MASTKD at the KTA: Jin Bang Yang Explains the Structure of Korean Taekwondo from Seoul

Kukkiwon is widely recognized as the World Taekwondo Headquarters. In today’s environment, where Olympic sport, Korean culture, and martial arts practice coexist within a single discipline, what do you believe is Kukkiwon’s most important mission for the world?

Since Taekwondo was adopted as an official sport of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, it has experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a sport that offers opportunity and hope to people in countries around the world.

This achievement is a positive reflection of the highly successful globalization of Taekwondo over the past five decades. If the globalization of Taekwondo can be compared to the branches of a tree, then Kukkiwon is the root that sustains its vitality and growth.

Taekwondo is more than a sport defined by competition and victory. It is a martial art that cultivates character, teaches respect and courtesy, fosters a strong spirit, and strengthens the body.

Kukkiwon’s purpose and mission are to preserve these invaluable values of Taekwondo and to promote them so that they may become an integral part of people’s everyday lives around the world.

Kukkiwon has developed TCON as a digital ecosystem for certification, Dan/Poom promotion testing, and global services. In your view, what should be the next step in digital transformation to further enhance trust, streamline administrative procedures, and strengthen the connection between Kukkiwon and dojangs around the world?

Through the development of TCON, Kukkiwon has successfully digitalized the application and registration process for Dan and Poom certifications. However, we recognize that some instructors still face challenges in using the online system. Therefore, we are continuously improving the platform to ensure that it is accessible, intuitive, and convenient for all users.

Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond simply enhancing TCON itself. We plan to develop and provide a wide range of practical content that can support both the operation of overseas dojangs and the education of Taekwondo practitioners.

At the same time, the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, is calling for a new era of innovation at Kukkiwon.

Rather than resisting technological change, Kukkiwon will actively embrace these advancements and leverage them as tools to further enhance the value of Taekwondo. By doing so, we aim to lead future transformation while preserving and promoting the core values of our martial art.

The World Taekwondo Hanmadang 2026 will return to Kukkiwon after ten years, with the aim of restoring its identity, authority, participation, and economic sustainability. What message would you like to convey to the world through its return to the World Taekwondo Headquarters?

The theme of the 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang, which will be held at Kukkiwon in partnership with the Gangnam District Office from August 1 to 5, is “The First Light.” By bringing Hanmadang back to Kukkiwon after a decade, we are demonstrating our strong commitment to restoring the event’s original spirit as a martial arts festival and reaffirming its fundamental values of unity and harmony.

Just as the first light of dawn dispels the darkness, we believe this year’s Hanmadang will mark the beginning of a renewed and inspiring celebration for the global Taekwondo community. In particular, the event will be designed as a participant-centered festival, offering both the joy of participation and the excitement of spectatorship.

We are making every effort to create an unforgettable experience where members of the global Taekwondo family—regardless of nationality, age, or gender—can come together, celebrate their shared passion, and create lasting memories that will remain with them for a lifetime.

World Taekwondo represents Taekwondo as an Olympic sport, while Kukkiwon represents its technical, educational, and martial arts foundations. In your view, what kind of modern relationship should these two organizations build to strengthen Taekwondo’s unified global identity while avoiding overlap in their respective roles?

I believe that Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo are the two pillars that lead the development of Taekwondo worldwide. Kukkiwon has the responsibility of advancing the martial arts dimension of Taekwondo, while World Taekwondo is entrusted with developing and promoting its sporting dimension.

As both organizations share the common goal of fostering the growth and development of Taekwondo, they must work together in a manner that respects and preserves each institution’s unique mission and responsibilities. Above all, close cooperation is essential.

Kukkiwon should continue to strengthen the foundations of Taekwondo by establishing and advancing its technical standards, educational framework, and philosophical principles.

Building upon this foundation, World Taekwondo should further enhance and expand Taekwondo as a global sport. Together, the two organizations must reinforce an organic and complementary partnership that maximizes their respective strengths.

If we can set aside institutional self-interest and exclusivity, and instead move forward together in pursuit of the greater cause of Taekwondo’s advancement, I am confident that Taekwondo will achieve a level of global recognition and influence beyond what we can currently imagine.

As an international Taekwondo media organization, MASTKD is honored to visit Kukkiwon. In your opinion, what role should specialized media outlets such as MASTKD play in effectively promoting and communicating the cultural, technical, educational, and diplomatic values of Taekwondo in the 21st century?

MASTKD serves as a communication bridge connecting Kukkiwon with the global Taekwondo family.

Beyond reporting news and competition results, I believe the media should highlight inspiring stories from the Taekwondo community and showcase the positive impact that Taekwondo has on people’s lives.

Through MASTKD, Kukkiwon also hopes to share new values and visions for Taekwondo with practitioners and enthusiasts around the world.

About The Author