New Kukkiwon President

[dortiz]

Letter from the President:

This year, we have a policy to make Taekwondo as an advanced brand in the
world through harmony and unity among Taekwondo family members.

It is with this vision in mind that we have been driving the globalization
of Kukkiwon for the last several years. To lead the new millennium by
ourselves, above all, we should improve our Taekwondo competitiveness and
initiatives should be taken by kukkiwon, the world Taekwondo Headquarters.

This year we have a plan to continue our products for three businesses. They
are as follows:

First, we will plan the establishment of overseas branches to reinforce the
management of Taekwondo and systematization of overseas Taekwondo
Organization.

Second, we will support the best Taekwondo Gymnasiums to have the foundation
of global network of the Kukkiwon, and also we will support the education of
Taekwondo instructors and masters in order to revitalize the Taekwondo
gymnasiums across the world.

Lastly, we will continue the visiting Kukkiwon Program to inform the
visitors the spirits of Taekwondo and the publicity relations of Kukkiwon.

 

[d1jinx]

There's no guarantee that they will have the sole rights to Kukkiwon services in the U.S.. I can't imagine that they'll take away the ability to send for certificates by mail or online, and I'm positive they won't take away the option to train at the Kukkiwon in Korea. My guess is that they are doing this to create more option for practitioners over here.

Actually, they already have. No longer is the kukkiwon accepting applications by mail.

see>>>>>

Postal Dan Applications now closed, please use our online Dan Application system (www.kukkiwon.or.kr), and wishing you all a Happy New Year! 8:28 PM Jan 1st from web
<LI class="hentry u-The_Kukkiwon status" done24="12" done23="12" done22="12" done20="12" done18="12" done8="12" done5="12" done9="1">Today is the last day for Dan / Poom applications via normal mail. Try our new online Dan / Poom Application at http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr <LI class="hentry u-The_Kukkiwon status" done24="12" done23="12" done22="12" done20="12" done18="12" done8="12" done5="12" done9="1">The Kukkiwon now has a faster online Dan Certification Application Service for your convenience. Final date for postal entries 31st December 4:12 PM Dec 15th, 2009 from web

(sorry for the jiberish, it doesn't copy/paste well)

 

[dortiz]

From Bruce harris:
To All,

As many of you are aware, there is a power struggle in South Korea over the control of Kukkiwon- The World Taekwondo Headquarters. Please find attached a Petition to be sent to the President of South Korea asking that Kukkiwon remain an independent international organization that is lead by senior Taekwondo leaders, rather than by government politicians.

If you would like to participate in showing your support of this endeavor to notify the government of Korea that the world is watching what happens with this matter that affects Taekwondo practitioners around the world, please have your students fill out the enclosed Petition. Once you have it filled out, please mail the sheets of signatures and the cover sheet to the following address:

Honorable Presiden Lee Myung-Bak
Chong Wa Dae, Janhgno-gu
Seoul, South Korea

Please complete the petition with as many signatures as possible and mail to the President of Korea not later than January 27, 2010. Your participation is strictly voluntary and will be greatly appreciated.

My apology in advance to those of you who may receive more than one copy of this email.

~Bruce Harris
Executive Director,
United States Taekwondo Committee

 

[Archtkd]

From Bruce harris:
To All,

As many of you are aware, there is a power struggle in South Korea over the control of Kukkiwon- The World Taekwondo Headquarters.

Very interesting. But, what does it really mean? Is Seung-Wan Lee fully in charge of the Kukkiwon now? Will the Korean government let him remain president? Let's say the Korean government agrees to step aside, will the infighting between Korean grandmasters, a number of who also have political ambitions and ties, stop?

 

[dortiz]

I saw a member of the MAC filling in the new ap to be an oversees branch. Maybe there will be a bunch of them here.

 

[Archtkd]

I posted this breaking news from Tae Kwon Do Times on another thread, but I think it belongs here because it comes barely four months after Seung-Wan Lee was named Kukkiwon president. This thread also has some more historical context relating to the whole Kukkiwon imbroglio. Won Sik Kang, the new president, is a co-auther of "A Modern History of Taekwondo" (http://tkd.stanford.edu/documents/tkd_history.pdf)
One published source states he: "Worked for the Korea TaeKwonDo Association, the AsiaTaeKwonDo Union and also the Kukkiwon. He is currently a Professor in the TaeKwon Do Department at Yong-in University and the President of TaeKwonDo Shinmun, a TaeKwonDo newspaper in Korea

"Won Sik Kang has been elected as the new &#8220;Special Kukkiwon Law&#8221; president with a 100% approval from the committee. In Kang&#8217;s first public address, he pledge a respect across the world for everyone in Taekwondo and to help build relationships. It&#8217;s his hope that all Seniors, Juniors and everyone in between can work together towards one mutual goal of Taekwondo. Kang acknowledged the many problems and rough patches the Kukkiwon had endured last year and has expressed several goals for the near future. He has created a Special Task Force to restore Kukkiwon&#8217;s integrity and become a strong organization world wide. He would like to upgrade the website to increase their presence around the world. Mr. Kang also asked that if anyone had questions or concerns at any time, to please let him and his office know. Anything and everything is up for discussion and he will devote his life to Kukkiwon and this job.
Taekwondo Times Magazine would like to congratulate Mr. Kang on his newly appointed position and wish him well in restoring the Kukkiwon. We would also like to submit the first topic for discussion. Currently the Kukkiwon Committee consists of only Koreans. It is our opinion the Kukkiwon would benefit from bringing in members from other countries to join the committee."

​

​

 

[Archtkd]

Here's some historical stuff pulled from the Modern History of Taekwondo, co-authored by Won-Sik Kang, the new Kukkiwon president. He was apparently fairly involved with the Kwan unification efforts. Read on:

"The real efforts towards Kwan Unification began in 1977. The Korea Taekwondo Association had several meetings in 1976 and 1978 to unify the Kwans, and it was decided that the ten Kwans would be united by the end of July, 1978.

Kim Chul Hui stated: "Let's unify all the Kwan in order to be one." However, other members objected to the suggestion, stating that unification at the present time was premature. However, it was decided which Kwan would participate with the unification and the list was submitted to Kim Un Yong.

In addition, the Kwan Unification Committee (Choo Jin Eui Won Hwe) was created on February 23, 1977, composed of five members. The Committee members agreed in principle to give up the concept of Kwan in order to unify. In addition, the Chong Bon Kwan was created to eliminate all of the negative aspects of Taekwondo. The following people were members of the Chong Bon Kwan:

Kim Un Yong (Chong Bon Kwan Jang)
Lee Chong Woo, Uhm Woon Kyu (Bu Kwan Jang)
Lee Nam Suk (Samu Chong Jang)
Lee Byung Ro, Kang Won Sik (Kam Sa)
Lee Chong Woo, Uhm Woon Kyu, Lee Nam Suk, Kang Won Sik
Kwak Byung Oh (Se Chik Shim Eui Won Hwe)

Kim Un Yong and Lee Chong Woo initiated the efforts to unify the Kwans right after the creation of the Chong Bon Kwan, but little was done. An office was set up at Eulchiro 6 Ga in Seoul, but the Committee did nothing since everyone thought that Kwan Unification was impossible.

After six months the Chong Bon Kwan did recommend some Taekwondo-in for dan promotion and also expanded the Committee's focus nationwide. However, the Chong Bon Kwan's efforts were not going well and it was difficult for the Committee to gather positive suggestions and ideas on this difficult subject.

In July 1978, the Chong Bon Kwan announced that unification would take place in the southern provinces and rural areas first, to be followed by unification in the urban areas of Seoul and Kyungki Do. The Chong Bon Kwan also announced that Kwan Unification is not a problem. In addition, all Kwan Jang (Kwan Presidents) would be informed beforehand so that they could minimize the complications involved in unification. The Chong Bon Kwan's actions confirmed that the unification efforts would go forward.


Chapter 5
Section 2: Final Realization of Taekwondo's Deep Rooted Enmity

August 7, 1978, can be considered a historical date for Taekwondo because it was on this day that the Kwans finally compromised and closed the Kwan system with a Proclamation signed finalizing Kwan Unification. The following people signed the Proclamation on behalf of their Kwan:

Kwan #1: Chun Jung Woong (Song Moo Kwan)
Kwan #2: Lee Kyo Yoon (Han Moo Kwan)
Kwan #3: Lee Nam Suk (Chang Moo Kwan)
Kwan #4: Choi Nam Do (Moo Duk Kwan)
Kwan #5: Kwak Byung Oh (Oh Do Kwan)
Kwan #6: Lee Kum Hong (Kang Duk Won)
Kwan #7: Lee Yong Woo (Jung Do Kwan)
Kwan #8: Lee Chong Woo (Ji Do Kwan)
Kwan #9: Uhm Woon Kyu (Chung Do Kwan)
Kwan #10: Kim In Suk (Kwan Ri Kwan)

Lee Byung Ro and Kang Won Sik (both members of the Chong Bon Kwan) signed the Proclamation as well.

The following is what the Proclamation stated:

"Taekwondo will strive hard to unify and will eliminate the different Kwan of the last 30 years.

Since 1972, we unified the Taekwondo terminology and poomsae in order to minimize the differences which existed between the different Kwan. With respect to Dan Promotion Tests, the Sabum in the individual dojang will recommend the candidates for rank advancement. We will do our duty to treat everyone as equals and to work towards a clean administrative procedural system. Because Taekwondo is our National Sport we promise to be good leaders and unify all Taekwondo-in throughout the nation. We will close all Kwan offices and the Chong Bon Kwan will instead coordinate with the Kukkiwon so that we can keep our administration clean. We promise to do our part to unify Taekwondo."

The Proclamation was seen as a turning point because Taekwondo could now work earnestly towards a meaningful unification. Lee Chong Woo, Lee Byung Ro and Kang Won Sik were the people who worked hard and did a good job for Kwan Unification, but there were many more problems to solve."

 

[Earl Weiss]

Here's some historical stuff pulled from the Modern History of Taekwondo, co-authored by Won-Sik Kang, the new Kukkiwon president. He was apparently fairly involved with the Kwan unification efforts. Read on:

"The real efforts towards Kwan Unification began in 1977. The Korea Taekwondo Association had several meetings in 1976 and 1978 to unify the Kwans, and it was decided that the ten Kwans would be united by the end of July, 1978.

"

Hmm, does it even mention the first 22 years - 1955-1977?

 

[Archtkd]

Hmm, does it even mention the first 22 years - 1955-1977?

That was an excerpt the of the history, which (http://tkd.stanford.edu/documents/tkd_history.pdf)
covers modern Taekwondo from 1945 to 1978.

 

[Archtkd]

Hmm, does it even mention the first 22 years - 1955-1977?

Reading the whole thing (http://tkd.stanford.edu/documents/tkd_history.pdf)
would be a good idea. Here's an excerpt that covers some stuff in the 1950s. The kwan unification Choi Hong Hi tried to force through in the 1950s didn't really happen.

"Chapter 2
Section 4: Choi Hong Hi and the 1959 Korea Taekwondo Association

At the end of the 1950's, the interests and activities of the newly established Annex Kwans had complicated the internal conflicts and subsequently weakened the power of the Korea Kong Soo Do Association. At this time, with the support of the Chung Do Kwan and Oh Do Kwan, General Choi organized a Taekwondo Association and encouraged Kwan unification. General Choi lobbied the Ministry of Education and the Korea Amateur Sports Association to found the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1959.

The 1959 Korea Taekwondo Association's founded was conducted at the Korea Amateur Sports Association conference room. Participating in the foundation meeting was Ministry of Education's Physical Education Director, the Korea Amateur Sports Association Director, as well as representatives from six of the Kwans (Chung Do Kwan, Oh Do Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan, Ji Do Kwan, and Moo Duk Kwan).

However, in the meeting, the Association had debates over the art name. Hwang Kee (Moo Duk Kwan) persisted on Tang Soo Do. Ro Byung Jik (Song Moo Kwan), Yoon Kwe Byung (Ji Do Kwan) and Lee Chong Woo (Ji Do Kwan/Han Kuk Che Yuk Kwan) also insisted on Tang Soo Do. But the name Taekwondo, which the Chung Do Kwan and Oh Do Kwan used since the mid 1950's, was widely spread by the Chung Do Kwan and Oh Do Kwan and it was decided that Taekwondo would be the art name of the Association. It was General Choi's determination that we should no longer use any Japanese or Chinese martial art names, but rather use one derived from Korean tradition.

Choi Hong Hi later said: "At the time, the only reason I could force the name Korea Taekwondo Association was because I was a ROK Army General."

The president (Hwe Jang) of the 1959 Korea Taekwondo Association was Choi Hong Hi (Oh Do Kwan), Vice Presidents (Bu Hwe Jang) were Ro Byung Jik (Song Moo Kwan) and Yoon Kwe Byung (Ji Do Kwan), Chief Director (E Sa Jang) was Hwang Kee (Moo Duk Kwan), Standing Directors (Sang Im E Sa) were Lee Chong Woo (Ji Do Kwan/Han Kuk Che Yuk Kwan), Ko Jae Chun (Chung Do Kwan/Oh Do Kwan/Chung Ryong Kwan), Hyun Jong Myun (Chung Do Kwan/Oh Do Kwan), and Lee Yong Sup (Song Moo Kwan), Directors (E Sa) were Uhm Woon Kyu (Chung Do Kwan), Bae Young Ki (Ji Do Kwan/Han Kuk Che Yuk Kwan), and Chung Chang Young (Moo Duk Kwan). Testing Committee members were Lee Nam Suk (Chang Moo Kwan), Uhm Woon Kyu (Chung Do Kwan), Hyun Jong Myun (Chung Do Kwan/Oh Do Kwan), and Chung Chang Young (Moo Duk Kwan).

However, in the process of gathering all the Kwans and organizing the Association, again the unified name became an issue. When Hwang Kee seceded from the Association, the 1959 Korea Taekwondo Association became another historical monument to the unification of Taekwondo.

Black figures (complainers) later spoke ill of the 1959 Korea Taekwondo Association. Some said, "With the Chung Do Kwan and Oh Do Kwan's power, Choi Hong Hi fulfilled his aspiration for his own personal Association."

 

[Archtkd]

Here's an interesting article about Won Sik Kang, the new Kukkiwon president, written a decade ago. http://mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=698

Other links with some more history:
http://mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=712
http://www.daoba.com/html/news/English/200810/01-8362.html