The “Farewell and Inauguration Ceremony for 17th and 18th Board Chairs of Kukkiwon (hereinafter the Ceremony)” has been held.

The ceremony, held at 11:00 AM on February 6 at the Kukkiwon Central Training Hall, was attended by approximately 300 people, including Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk, Korea Taekwondo Association President Yang Jin-bang, Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman Kim Jung-heon, Kukkiwon Council of Elders Chairman Lee Seung-wan Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Kim Hyung-jae, Gangnam-gu Deputy Mayor Kim Jin-man, Gangnam-gu Council Vice Chair person Bok Jin-kyung, and Won Sang-wuk, Chairman of the Incheon Athletic Association and teacher of the new Chairman.

The ceremony proceeded in the following order: Declaration of Opening, National Rituals, Introduction of Guests, Farewell Address, Inaugural Address, Presentation of Appreciation Plaque, Welcoming Address, Congratulatory Remarks, Commemorative Photography, and Declaration of Closing.

In his inaugural address, Chairman Loh Soon-myung emphasized the power of "collective intelligence," stating, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and a deep sense of duty to take on the grave role of the 18th Chairman.” He added, “Facing the AI era, I wish to create answers together with the Taekwondo family present here today on how to converge with Taekwondo to continue its history of growth.”

Chairman Loh continued, “I intend to lead the Kukkiwon Board of Directors through communication and harmony.” He concluded his address by saying, “Kukkiwon will become even stronger when the Board becomes one that respects different opinions and experiences, and gathers wisdom through dialogue and cooperation. I will do my best to unite the Board as one so that Kukkiwon can establish itself as an organization that contributes to humanity worldwide.”

Former Chairman Jeon Gap-gil, who served as the 17th Chairman, said in his farewell address, “The time I spent shouldering this heavy responsibility was a great honor for me and a precious experience I wouldn't trade for anything. As a Taekwondo practitioner, I will always cheer for the development of Kukkiwon and the future of Taekwondo.”

On this day, Chairman Loh Soon-myung presented a plaque to former Chairman Jeon Gap-gil, conveying gratitude for his dedication to the development of Kukkiwon.

During the ceremony, Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk delivered a welcoming address, stating, “I express my gratitude to former Chairman Jeon Gap-gil for his dedication to Kukkiwon's development during his tenure, and I send applause of congratulations to the newly inaugurated Chairman Loh Soon-myung. I ask for your unstinting support and participation for Kukkiwon as it leads the future of Taekwondo.”

Following the welcoming address, congratulatory remarks were delivered by Korea Taekwondo Association President Yang Jin-bang, Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman Kim Jung-heon, Kukkiwon Council of Elders Chairman Lee Seung-wan, Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Kim Hyung-jae, and Gangnam-gu Deputy Mayor Kim Jin-man (on behalf of Gangnam-gu Mayor Jo Seong-myeong), encouraging former Chairman Jeon and expressing expectations for Chairman Loh’s inauguration. Additionally, National Assembly Member Seo Myeong-ok, Korea Sports Promotion Foundation Chairman Ha Hyeong-ju, and Asian Canoe Confederation Secretary General Kim Eun-seok sent congratulatory letters.

Meanwhile, the new Chairman, Loh Soon-myung, was elected at the ‘2025 10th Extraordinary Board Meeting’ held on December 10, and was inaugurated following the approval of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on December 23, in accordance with the Kukkiwon Articles of Association.