Kukkiwon (President Lee Dong-sup) opened a new horizon for cultural diplomacy through Taekwondo.

Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup visited the United States to attend the inauguration ceremony of the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump. During his visit, he strengthened the Korea-U.S. alliance by meeting with key politicians and awarding honorary Taekwondo Dan certificates to six members of the United States House of Representatives such as Tim Walberg.

On January 21 (local time), President Lee met with Michigan’s 11-term Congressman Tim Walberg at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., and awarded him an honorary 7th Dan certificate. They also had in-depth discussions on how to further develop Taekwondo.

During the meeting, President Lee emphasized that Taekwondo serves as a bridge that promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

On January 22 (local time), President Lee also awarded honorary 7th Dan certificates to Congresswoman Grace Meng of New York and Congressman Marc Veasey of Texas in recognition of their contributions to promoting and developing Taekwondo.

Congresswoman Grace Meng, recognizing the educational value of Taekwondo, promised to provide full support in opening Taekwondo classes in New York public schools and developing programs that could help young students develop character and leadership skills.

President Lee discussed with Congressman Marc Veasey on detailed plans for supporting Taekwondo instructors and students at the upcoming 23rd National Korean American Sports Festival, scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas, in May.

On January 23 (local time), President Lee reconfirmed the historic U.S.-Korea alliance built through Taekwondo by meeting with Congressman Gregory Meeks who has chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congressman Tom Suozzi, both from New York.

Congressman Gregory Meeks recalled his experience practicing Taekwondo with the late Master Lee Joon-goo, who was known as the father of American Taekwondo. He also said that Taekwondo is not just a martial art but also a symbol of trust between the two nations.

A meaningful achievement of these meetings was the decision to reopen Taekwondo classes in the U.S. Congressional buildings starting February 1 which marked a new turning point in public diplomacy through Taekwondo.

Also, on January 24, President Lee met with Congressman Joe Morelle of New York, who has a deep affection for the Korea-U.S. alliance as a family member of a Korean War veteran. They reconfirmed the two nations’ commitment to cooperation.

President Lee explained the need for greater governmental recognition and policy support for Korean War veterans and their families. He also shared plans to invite them to South Korea to express gratitude for their sacrifices.

Kim Min-seon, former President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York and Director of the Museum of Korea Emigration History, who helped organize these meetings, said, “President Lee’s visit not only strengthened the Korea-U.S. alliance but also provided an opportunity for American lawmakers to reconfirm the value of Taekwondo.”

President Lee stated, “Taekwondo is more than just a martial art or sport. It is a important cultural asset that strengthens trust and friendship between South Korea and the United States. Taekwondo will become a key tool for public diplomacy and contribute to global peace and harmony.”

Kukkiwon plans to execute relevant policies to continue expanding its global network through Taekwondo and further strength Korea-U.S. cooperation through public and cultural diplomacy.