The World Taekwondo Council unanimously selected the Turkish city during an Extraordinary Meeting in Chuncheon. The governing body also reviewed the OTU electoral process, future events in Russia and the development of a new Smart PSS System.

The Türkiye Taekwondo Federation presented its hosting proposal ahead of the Chuncheon 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, scheduled for September 16–20. Council members endorsed the bid without opposition, confirming the next destination of World Taekwondo’s flagship Poomsae event.

World Taekwondo reviews OTU electoral process

Beyond the host-city decision, the Council addressed governance matters involving the Oceania Taekwondo Union (OTU) and raised concerns over what it described as public and media-driven personal attacks.

According to World Taekwondo, its Ethics and Juridical Committees will complete their review of the 2025 OTU election and submit their findings to the Council. The organization also reiterated its support for the OTU Secretary General while emphasizing the need to distinguish legal proceedings from personal allegations.

Russia to be considered on a case-by-case basis

The Council agreed that any future World Taekwondo-promoted event proposed for Russia will undergo an individual assessment.

The review will consider participant safety, equal and non-discriminatory access for all Member National Associations, anti-doping compliance, political neutrality and operational readiness.

World Taekwondo said the decision follows the International Olympic Committee’s updated recommendations of July 7, which leave International Federations responsible for determining whether competitions may be staged in Russia. The Council also condemned all wars and reaffirmed its support for the Ukrainian Taekwondo community.

Smart PSS targets Brisbane 2032

World Taekwondo Vice-President Jin-bang Yang presented an update on the new Smart PSS System, a technological project intended to improve the future operation of Taekwondo competitions.

The basic development phase is expected to conclude by the end of 2027. Testing at G1 and G2 events could begin in 2028, followed by a gradual introduction at major championships. World Taekwondo has identified the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games as the long-term target for full implementation.

The organization also reported progress on its GMS platform, which will be renamed the Global Management System as part of its planned expansion.

Council appointments and tribute to Dai-won Moon

Former Council members Anatoly Terekhov and Jesús Castellanos Pueblas were appointed Senior Advisors to the Council in recognition of more than a decade of service and institutional experience.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of Grandmaster Dai-won Moon, former World Taekwondo Council member and a central figure in the development of Taekwondo in Mexico.

World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue also highlighted recent international events held in Tashkent, Taiyuan, Rome and Muju before attention turned to Chuncheon, where a record 1,411 athletes are set to compete at the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

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