Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
INTERVIEW World Taekwondo leader charts digital, humanitarian future for sport
World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul in this July 17, 2024 file photo. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Lee Hae-rin
World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won, architect of the Korean martial art’s transformation over the past two decades, is poised to make history as he vies for a final term in an upcoming October election.
In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Choue reflected on guiding taekwondo through multiple reforms and introducing technological upgrades and humanitarian initiatives since taking office in 2004 — efforts he says have secured the Korean martial art’s place not only on the world stage but also as a symbol of global harmony.
“Since launching the Reform Committee in 2004, we’ve driven innovations like video replay, the Protector and Scoring System, differentiated scoring, enhanced referee training and uniform upgrades,” Choue said, explaining that securing taekwondo’s place in eight consecutive Olympic Games through 2028 is a testament to these efforts.
Among the milestones Choue treasures most are taekwondo’s Paralympics debut at Tokyo 2020, the historic launch in 2016 of the Taekwondo Cares program and Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF).
“WT’s vision is ‘taekwondo for all.’ Taekwondo should not discriminate. We should inspire,” he said.
“Children and youth who are born with disabilities need role models. Soldiers and adults who suffer from disabilities due to wars or accidents need to find strength to live,” Choue said, explaining the reason why he had pushed for para taekwondo since the early years of his presidency.
“In 2023, a taekwondo statue was unveiled at the Olympic Museum (in Lausanne, Switzerland), and WT, together with THF, received the prestigious Olympic Cup — powerful symbols of our sport’s global impact and humanitarian spirit,” he added.
Choue’s leadership has been anchored by mottos such as “harmony brings glory” and “peace is more precious than triumph,” philosophies deeply influenced by his father, Dr. Choue Young-seek.
“The concept of peace differs across cultures and people, but sport can be a unifying force. I believe that when people of various cultures are united, their harmony will bring glory for humankind,” Choue explained.
Looking ahead, Choue’s vision is for taekwondo to push further into digital frontiers and public engagement.
Athletes perform virtual taekwondo during Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023. Courtesy of World Taekwondo
“We have already started virtual taekwondo and entered the esports field … It is necessary for WT to innovate and adapt to society — change or be changed,” he said. Choue aims to launch new competitions, including a professional league and expanded programs, as well as tailored "poomsae" forms for all ages. He sees taekwondo “as a martial art and sport that is loved everywhere and by everyone.”
Virtual taekwondo has already become an established international event, with the first world championships held in Singapore in 2024. Although other combat sports are also attempting virtualization, taekwondo has distinguished itself by building a systematic foundation through WT to establish a global license system and operate international events. Virtual taekwondo was featured in the Olympic Esports Series 2023 and is preparing for inclusion in major international games.
Humanitarian efforts remain central to Choue’s agenda, with THF making inroads in Jordan’s refugee camps, as well as new projects in Rwanda, Djibouti and Venezuela.
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"The Hope and Dreams Sports Festival has become a platform that demonstrates the power of sport in bringing hope and purpose to people’s lives, especially for young refugees,” Choue said, “In 2026, marking its 10th anniversary, THF will rebrand the initiative to a joint sports enterprise under a united brand, shifting from THF to ‘Sports Humanitarian Foundation.’”
As taekwondo prepares for new rules and uniforms at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Choue, inspired by his lifelong commitment, left a message for the taekwondo community: “This year’s motto of WT is ‘harmony brings glory.’ Together with the entire taekwondo family around the world, I believe that through harmony, glory will come to our sport.”