New Year’s Message
Dear
Taekwondo Family,
As
2024 draws to a close, a new year is dawning upon us.
This
past year, we witnessed numerous Taekwondo events held across the globe,
showcasing creative and inspiring performances in freestyle poomsae,
demonstrations, and other activities that captured the hearts of audiences
worldwide.
Moreover,
during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in July, Taekwondo demonstrated its dynamic
appeal as an exciting and popular sport, with athletes from nearly every
continent standing on the podium. This served as a testament to the universal
reach and vitality of Taekwondo.
As
we step into 2025, I look forward to seeing even more vibrant and inspiring
activities from the global Taekwondo family.
Taekwondo,
as a martial art, has historically contributed to human survival and served as
a means of strengthening national defense. However, as weaponry evolved,
Taekwondo took on deeper and broader meanings beyond its original purpose.
Today,
it stands proudly as a beloved Olympic sport, earning the admiration and
respect of people worldwide.
But
as we all know, Taekwondo is not only about physical practice. It is a martial
art that harmoniously integrates personal discipline and the pursuit of
academic knowledge. Let us remember this core essence and strive to better
ourselves, so that we may also contribute positively to the world around us.
Since
1984, I have had the privilege of serving the Asian Taekwondo Union for over 40
years. During this time, I have been re-elected three times to serve as
President, and my term will conclude in July 2025.
These
decades of working with and for the Taekwondo family have been immensely
fulfilling and joyful, thanks to the support and love of our global community.
As
we welcome 2025, I sincerely wish for your health, happiness, and continued
success in the year ahead.
Taekwondo
Family, Happy New Year!
Thank
you.
Kyu
Seok LEE, President of Asian Taekwondo Union