Ambassador Chung Byung-ha: 100 million people around the world practice Taekwondo

Kuwait – Sayed Gharib Megahed, correspondent for Woduh newspaper.

Remarks by H.E. Chung Byung-ha

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait

– On the occasion of Kuwait Taekwondo Spectacle 2023 –

I welcome all of you to this exciting event, Kuwait Taekwondo Spectacle 2023.

To begin with, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Kuwait Taekwondo Federation and Korean Community in Kuwait for all their support to make this event happen.

I would also like to thank all the players who have competed in Ambassador’s Cup Championship for the last couple of days.

Taekwondo is a well-known traditional martial art of Korea. As we speak, around 100 million Taekwondo practitioners worldwide are strengthening their body and mind through this wonderful sport.

As such, few other things can be referred to as a better example than Taekwondo for becoming global from being local.

In Kuwait, Korean Taekwondo masters have set out to instruct Taekwondo since the 1980s. Now we assume more than 4 thousands people are practicing this martial art in Kuwait.

As you may know, Taekwondo has held a special place in the sport history of Kuwait. The very first medal Kuwait won at the Olympics was Mr. Mohammad Al-Qaimi’s bronze medal in Taekwondo, in 1992 Barcelona, despite it being a demonstration sport back then.

From then on, Kuwait has been one of the active countries in this Olympic sport, winning medals in various competitions.

Distinguished Guests,

An old saying goes “sound body, sound mind”.

In this regard, this event is our special campaign for all of us, including our young generations and more, to have a chance to think about this simple truth.

I hope we also think about the five pillars of Taekwondo which consists of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.

These qualities are the wisdom we need to overcome any challenges and difficulties in this fast changing world. This is the message we wish to convey today.

And another message we also hope to deliver this evening is to fill ourselves up with positive energy and good vibes.

To this end, we invite Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration team. Kukkiwon refers to the world Taekwondo headquarter. Its demonstration team has enjoyed the global reputation for its mastery of skill and performance.

I encourage you to try to feel the Taekwondo’s energy in their dynamic motions and artfully choreographed moves.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is the day that Kuwait, Korea and all of us here in this stadium come together through Taekwondo.

You will be watching a lot of wood-board-breaking today.

When the performers strike and shatter them with a shout of concentration, I urge you to break away your stress, kick away your depression, and throw away your worries.

And fill your heart with vitality and life instead. Make sure to bring this energy back home and share it with your family and friends. That is what I want and that is what our team wants.

Last but not least, after all the breaking performances, please don’t forget to take home the memory of the unbreakable friendship between Korea and Kuwait.

Enjoy the performance and have fun!

Thank you so much.