From Road FC commentator to CEO

Kim Dae-hwan / Courtesy of Road FC

A 38-year-old to lead Korea’s largest MMA promotion company

By Jung Min-ho

The recent news about the newly appointed CEO of Road FC drew mixed reactions from many fighters and fans alike.

While they were surprised that Kim Dae-hwan, a 38-year-old man with little experience, was chosen to lead the largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company in Korea.

They were also thrilled, as Kim, who succeeded Jung Mun-hong, is articulate, intelligent and fluent in English yet is humble and has good relationships with many MMA fighters.

In light of Road FC’s massive efforts to beyond Korea and China, many see him as the best man for the job.

Many MMA fighters and fans are already familiar with Kim, who began his career as a sports commentator 14 years ago.

“I was just one of those guys who loved pro wrestling and boxing,” he said. “Mike Tyson was my favorite athlete. His fights inspired me in so many ways and eventually led me to combat sports.”

He watched many combat sports videos, trained for them in the gym, shared his experience on his blog and developed relationships with fighters ― all just for fun. But one day in late 2003, he received a call from local broadcaster SBS Sports, which offered him a commentator job. Even then, he did not think he would stay in the job for that many years.

The more he worked there, the more he became interested in MMA, which was burgeoning in Korea at that time with the rise of star fighters like Fedor Emelianenko and Mirko Cro Cop.

Kim continued to improve himself as an analyst. He also worked as an English interpreter and tutor because he could not earn enough as a commentator.

He also eventually became a fighter to learn more about the sport, and surprisingly, discovered a talent for it. In his professional fighting career, he won eight bouts (seven knockouts) in the welter- and middle-weight divisions and lost only once.

“I enjoyed the whole experience, which helped me become a better man, a better husband and a better father,” he said.

Many believe Road FC under his leadership will differ from that under Jung. Jung's feisty, charismatic leadership and strong personality helped build the company from scratch and made it into the successful organization that it is today.

Meanwhile, Kim is calm, patient and, unlike Jung, who had many enemies, well-liked. Kim is expected to help follow up its success in China with further expansion overseas.

“Today, Road FC is regarded as the best MMA organization in Asia. In the history of Korea’s combat sports, we’ve never had anything like it,” he said. “There are 1,000 gyms across the country today with the Road FC logo.”

Jung recognized his talent early on and offered him the post, but Kim refused it repeatedly because he felt “it was something beyond me,” he said.

But Kim changed his mind. He wanted to be a part of the organization that helped him grow and to share what he has received to a broader audience.

One of the things Kim plans to do is to offer English language services, which he thinks is critical for Road FC’s growth as a truly global brand.

“Of course, I feel tremendous pressure,” he said. “Road FC has accomplished much and can do more in the future.”

Kim plans to announce his new vision for the company at its end-of-season event in Seoul on Dec. 23.