By Byung-Chul Ahn, Mudo Biz Times
Yoon Woong-seok Elected as the 18th Kukkiwon President
On September 19, 2025, Yoon Woong-seok, former head of the Kukkiwon Training Center, was elected as the 18th President of the World Taekwondo Headquarters, Kukkiwon.
Out of 1,561 valid votes, Yoon secured 737 votes (47.21%), defeating Ahn Yong-gyu (544 votes, 34.85%) and Nam Seung-hyun (280 votes, 17.94%)【mookas】. The voter turnout reached 67.46%, with 1,561 of 2,314 eligible electors casting their ballots.
Yoon’s official term will begin on October 7 and last for three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to six years
Key Campaign Promises
Yoon’s campaign platform centered on revitalizing dojangs, improving instructor welfare, and reforming Kukkiwon’s administrative and educational systems. His major pledges include:
| Area | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Dojang Revitalization & Instructor Welfare | Declared that the crisis of dojangs equals the crisis of Kukkiwon. Promised expanded support for dojangs and improved working conditions for instructors. |
| Administrative Reform & Organizational Unity | Aimed to foster unity within Kukkiwon and streamline administrative procedures, enhancing transparency and trust. |
| Promotion & Education Reform | Strengthening fairness and professionalism in the dan/poom promotion system, while upgrading training programs and curricula. |
| International Cooperation & Globalization | Building Kukkiwon into a global platform, expanding Taekwondo as a K-culture content, and strengthening ties with overseas dojangs and partner countries. |
Expectations for the New Leadership
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Action-Oriented Leadership
In his victory speech, Yoon pledged: “I will respond not with words but with actions.” His leadership will be measured by whether these promises translate into tangible changes, especially in dojang support, instructor welfare, and promotion system reform. -
Field-Centered Policy
Policies that reflect the real needs of instructors and dojang operators will be critical—such as financial support, simplified administrative procedures, and legal protections for instructors. -
Restoring Transparency and Trust
To overcome past criticism of inefficiency and mistrust, Kukkiwon under Yoon must ensure transparent decision-making, especially in promotion evaluations, international agreements, and organizational operations. -
Global Branding of K-Taekwondo
Yoon envisions Kukkiwon not only as a martial arts institution but as a cultural brand. Expanding Taekwondo as a core element of K-culture requires developing programs tied to cultural content, overseas certification systems, and international outreach. -
Structural and Legal Reform
Issues such as re-delegation of promotions to local associations, overseas branch management, and outdated governance structures remain urgent. Yoon’s administration will be tested on its ability to address these challenges.
Conclusion
Yoon Woong-seok brings extensive field experience as both an instructor and former Kukkiwon Training Center head. His leadership will be judged by whether his campaign promises materialize into real reform and whether stakeholders—dojangs, instructors, trainees, and international partners—can feel meaningful change.
As Yoon emphasized, “When instructors thrive, dojangs thrive. When dojangs thrive, Kukkiwon thrives.”
If this vision becomes reality, Kukkiwon may restore trust and strengthen its standing as the world’s Taekwondo headquarters.
