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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Yang Jin-bang was elected as the President of the KTA in December of the previous year. His possible candidacy for ATU President follows soon after taking on this role. He addressed his potential candidacy on March 16, asserting that the current situation is different from his KTA election. He underscored his belief in his qualifications to lead the ATU and make contributions to the global taekwondo network.
Jeong Kuk-hyun, an active member of both the ATU and WT Executive Committees, is also contemplating a candidacy. On March 21, he noted the prospect of multiple Korean candidates as a consideration in his decision-making. He expressed a desire for a united Korean candidacy but indicated he might enter the race if no consensus is achieved.
ATU regulations specify that if Yang Jin-bang secures the ATU presidency, he would need to resign from his KTA position within a month, triggering a re-election for the KTA presidency.
The ATU presidential election will take place in Malaysia. Approximately 60 individuals will have voting privileges, including delegates from 44 member nations and ATU executive members.
Ehatasamul Alom is an esteemed Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 12 years of experience in this dynamic martial art. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ehatasamul’s journey with Taekwondo began at the tender age of seven. His passion led him to compete at national and international levels, where he has bagged numerous awards and honors. He is also a member of the Taekwondo National Referee Panel.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the prestigious Rajshahi University, Ehatasamul has a deep understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of martial arts and some other martial arts.
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