Lee Dong-sup, President of Kukkiwon has been invited to attend the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President Donald Trump.

The ceremony will be held on January 20 (local time) in Washington, D.C. In addition to attending the inauguration, President Lee will carry out diplomatic activities through Taekwondo, hosting events such as the "MOU Signing Ceremony with U.S. Branch Directors and a Meeting on Projects for 2025".

The relationship between President Lee and President Trump dates back to 2021.

On November 19, 2021 (local time), President Lee visited Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where he awarded President Trump an honorary 9th Dan Taekwondo certificate and presented him with a Taekwondo uniform.

Having become an honorary Taekwondo Dan holder, President Trump said "Taekwondo is the best martial art" and even promised to wear the uniform and deliver a speech in Congress if re-elected.

Based on their bond formed through Taekwondo, President Lee will attend the inauguration ceremony. During his visit to the United States, he plans to meet U.S. senators and representatives who have contributed to the development and promotion of Taekwondo in America, award them honorary Dan certificates and discuss relevant issues.

Also, he will hold an "MOU Signing Ceremony and a Meeting on Projects for 2025" with Kukkiwon's U.S. branch directors to discuss their work.

At the meeting, the progress and plans for various 2025 projects will be reviewed, necessary business strategies will be established and practical support measures will be prepared to achieve tangible outcomes.

President Lee stated, "President Trump understands the value of Taekwondo more than anyone else. Attending the inauguration will not only raise the global presence of Taekwondo but also enable Taekwondo to make a significant leap forward in the United States."

Meanwhile, as part of its overseas network expansion project, Kukkiwon appointed eight U.S. branch directors last October and has been working to strengthen its presence in the U.S. by expanding its core initiatives.