Korean Taekwondo Leaders Eye on ATU
The competition to head the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), set for mid-July, 2025, is intensifying, with several significant personalities from the sport’s birthplace, South Korea, reportedly competing for the leading role, TkdBox reports.
The individuals who have either confirmed or are contemplating a run include Yang Jin-bang, the present ATU Vice President and President of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA); Kim Sang-jin, another ATU Vice President (who has accepted the role of KTA Vice President); and Jeong Kuk-hyun, a member of the ATU Executive Committee and former Secretary-General of the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation.
Kim Sang-jin made a public declaration of his intention to run on January 18 during an ATU Technical Committee appointment ceremony, outlining his vision for the organization’s future growth. He reaffirmed his dedication on January 25th at the inauguration ceremony of the Busan Metropolitan Taekwondo Association, discussing strategic initiatives and various promotional endeavors.
Yang Jin-bang has expressed interest in the ATU presidency for four years. He waited for the conclusion of the incumbent president, Lee Kyu-seok’s term, before contemplating his candidacy. Kim Sang-jin announced his candidacy ahead of time, reportedly gaining the backing of President Lee.
Yang Jin-bang and Jeong Kuk-hyun have also started to consider their own potential candidacies.
ATU rules permit several candidates from the same nation to compete. Yang Jin-bang, Kim Sang-jin, and Jeong Kuk-hyun are all citizens of South Korea and are eligible to participate in the elections.
Discussions have emerged within the Korean taekwondoTaekwondo Basics: A Comprehensive Guide community regarding the likelihood of multiple Korean candidates and the possible repercussions for the election outcome. The notion of the Korean candidates reaching a consensus to present a single representative has been proposed.
According to TkdBox, President Lee Kyu-seok has shown his willingness to endorse a single mutually agreed-upon Korean candidate. However, Kim Sang-jin mentioned in a March 10 interview that President Lee had “nominated” him, hinting at his belief in a direct endorsement.
Yang Jin-bang and Jeong Kuk-hyun have responded to Kim’s assertion concerning a nomination from President Lee.
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