Taekwondo Jidokwan president, Sung Wan Lee, was elected Kukkiwon chairman on December 10th.
Pictured: Master Boese with Sung Wan Lee in 2008.
Showing posts with label Kukkiwon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kukkiwon. Show all posts
Monday, December 14, 2009
Seung Wan Lee, Elected as Kukkiwon Chairman
http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1627
Taekwondo Jidokwan president, Sung Wan Lee, was elected Kukkiwon chairman on December 10th.
Pictured: Master Boese with Sung Wan Lee in 2008.
Taekwondo Jidokwan president, Sung Wan Lee, was elected Kukkiwon chairman on December 10th.
Pictured: Master Boese with Sung Wan Lee in 2008.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
MAC President Hong Kang Kim, Proposal to Taekwondo People
Article taken from http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1522
Article published under MAC President Hong Kang Kim's request; therefore it may not be in agreement with MOOKAS publication standards
Taekwondo is a martial art that proudly introduces important Korean culture to the world. We have succeeded in spreading Taekwondo to the world by making it a core sport at the Olympics. We also achieved the feat of allowing each individual to measure their abilities against each other based to Korean judging standards.
In order to come this far, many Taekwondo instructors offered self-sacrificing efforts, as well as Taekwondo masters' resolute endeavors to improve Taekwondo. How can people in non-Korean countries bow their heads daily in respect to the Korean flag? Even if it was forced upon, no one would follow to do this?
Showing respect to the Korean flag is a significant aspect of Taekwondo and it is something to be very proud about. At the same time, Taekwondo trainees who grew up learning Taekwondo understand and learn to appreciate the Korean culture. Has there been a better way to promote Korea?
Unfortunately, it is a harsh reality to observe the current status of Taekwondo; endless complaints about controversial judging, conflicts between numerous Taekwondo organizations, continuing wasted efforts to bring each other down, inability to quickly accommodate the needs of Taekwondo people all over the world, and the ongoing fight for political power.
Analyzing these problems, it is no longer issues that can be solved by any one organization, or one individual, and we now need the authority of the government to step in to bring order.
Foreign masters, simply with Taekwondo mentality and one dobok (uniform), help spreading Taekwondo all over the world. They have lost faith and respect towards Taekwondo in Korea due to all the political corruption and struggles for power that continue in Korea.
Some continental organizations are weakening Kukkiwon by striving towards their own dan issuing, and now it is absolutely necessary to restore faith back to Taekwondo entities in Korea.
If we cannot make the necessary changes and spend time complaining about power struggle, controversies over third party dan issuing instead of Kukkiwon, reaching the limits of Taekwondo techniques, unenjoyable Taekwondo, endless judging disagreements, we will surely lose the crucial support from the rest of the world to keep Taekwondo an Olympic sport.
In this case, we will return to a dark age for Taekwondo. Allowing this to occur would be a huge loss to our culture and more importantly, a sin to our children.
Observing contemporary history of Taekwondo, many outspoken arguments took place and each individual expressed their opinions, and after painfully long time, Korea Taekwondo Association was established in 1961. Taekwondo became the major and mandatory exercise for the army. During the Vietnam War, Korean soldiers applied actual use of Taekwondo, and steadily gained interest from people all over the world. Many countries competed to bring Taekwondo to their nation, and masters began teaching all over the world. In 1973, World Taekwondo Federation was established, following with organized infrastructures, along with Taekwondo masters spreading this martial art globally. Eventually this led to the world accepting Taekwondo as a Olympic sport.
Comparing Taekwondo advancement in matches and sport aspect, Taekwondo's mental and culture values have not been subjected for growth. It is a reality that authentic documentation for history of Taekwondo is lacking and we are in desperate need for further research.
Taekwondo is a representative brand of Korea following only after Hangul (Korean Language), globally prevalent in Asian, Europe, Africa, Pan-Am, and Oceania in the 5 continents with 188 member countries totaling over 70 million practitioners. There are 193 United Nations countries that practice Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a global representation of Korea.
Promoting Taekwondo's positive image and future visions, Kukkiwon strives to legally join under Ministry of Culture, pushing for a "Taekwondo, global cultural asset representing Korea". In retrospect, Taekwondo does have a bright future with Kukkiwon, Korea Taekwondo Association, and World Taekwondo Federation all working towards advancement of Taekwondo.
No matter the intentions of advancing Taekwondo, the way these organizations operate is the utmost importance. If the matches are not strictly judged upon skills and are involved in controversies, there can be no advancement can be achieved.
Also in the midst of Olympic sport issue, people cannot be self-interested and put their priorities before working to approve Taekwondo as an Olympic Core Sport. Rather than having people cooperate and functioning in unison, they are focused on their individual benefits.
Taekwondo needs changes. In order to do this, the old fashioned and men of controversial characters must be withdrawn. New men need to open a new age for Taekwondo. "New alcohol in new sack" adage is very appropriate in this case. We need make adjustments along the natural trend and if the leader is not a Taekwondo person, but is capable of leading, we need to follow.
Focusing on natural trend of the world and broadening to include the requests of other countries are absolute. We need a better system to communicate with the masters in other countries to assess and plan for bettering Taekwondo in a timely fashion. Years and years of experience they have can have immediate and practical changes.
Taekwondo does not only belong to Korea anymore. Taekwondo now belongs to the world and what they request is much more diverse and complicated to provide. We need to be able to keep up with the demands and quickly adjust so that we can accommodate for these people. We need to hand over Taekwondo to truly establish it as a global commodity.
We need to convince not only Taekwondo persons, but also the people that are not familiar with Taekwondo to understand that they are the future of Taekwondo and guide them in the right path for a bright future. It is our duty to convince these people to have interest in Taekwondo. We can no longer show the ongoing conflicts and pain that we cause to each other. As true Taekwondo people, we must work so they can be full of interest and begin to train Taekwondo. To develop Taekwondo into a fun martial art, we need to research and develop keeping non-practitioners as focus.
Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's campaign, "Taekwondo, global cultural asset representing Korea", seems like a plan that is fully thought out and also envisions practical implementation of necessary changes. Some of these important changes are, further research on authentication of Taekwondo historically, dan issuing, education and demonstrations, and for Kukkiwon to focus more domestically on the matters on hand, while World Taekwondo Federation work to appease the needs of foreign masters and to lead the continental federations.
I have trained Taekwondo all my life, and I love Taekwondo, Taekwondo is everything in life for me, and as this person, I sincerely speak from the heart. We need to put aside our self interest and work for a brighter future for Taekwondo. The world is changing and there is a strong demand for us to change as well. I respectfully bow my head and ask that we can be more self-sacrificing and work as one for the betterment of Taekwondo.
-MAC President Hong Kang Kim
http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1522
Accessed 3/10/2009
Article published under MAC President Hong Kang Kim's request; therefore it may not be in agreement with MOOKAS publication standards
Taekwondo is a martial art that proudly introduces important Korean culture to the world. We have succeeded in spreading Taekwondo to the world by making it a core sport at the Olympics. We also achieved the feat of allowing each individual to measure their abilities against each other based to Korean judging standards.
In order to come this far, many Taekwondo instructors offered self-sacrificing efforts, as well as Taekwondo masters' resolute endeavors to improve Taekwondo. How can people in non-Korean countries bow their heads daily in respect to the Korean flag? Even if it was forced upon, no one would follow to do this?
Showing respect to the Korean flag is a significant aspect of Taekwondo and it is something to be very proud about. At the same time, Taekwondo trainees who grew up learning Taekwondo understand and learn to appreciate the Korean culture. Has there been a better way to promote Korea?
Unfortunately, it is a harsh reality to observe the current status of Taekwondo; endless complaints about controversial judging, conflicts between numerous Taekwondo organizations, continuing wasted efforts to bring each other down, inability to quickly accommodate the needs of Taekwondo people all over the world, and the ongoing fight for political power.
Analyzing these problems, it is no longer issues that can be solved by any one organization, or one individual, and we now need the authority of the government to step in to bring order.
Foreign masters, simply with Taekwondo mentality and one dobok (uniform), help spreading Taekwondo all over the world. They have lost faith and respect towards Taekwondo in Korea due to all the political corruption and struggles for power that continue in Korea.
Some continental organizations are weakening Kukkiwon by striving towards their own dan issuing, and now it is absolutely necessary to restore faith back to Taekwondo entities in Korea.
If we cannot make the necessary changes and spend time complaining about power struggle, controversies over third party dan issuing instead of Kukkiwon, reaching the limits of Taekwondo techniques, unenjoyable Taekwondo, endless judging disagreements, we will surely lose the crucial support from the rest of the world to keep Taekwondo an Olympic sport.
In this case, we will return to a dark age for Taekwondo. Allowing this to occur would be a huge loss to our culture and more importantly, a sin to our children.
Observing contemporary history of Taekwondo, many outspoken arguments took place and each individual expressed their opinions, and after painfully long time, Korea Taekwondo Association was established in 1961. Taekwondo became the major and mandatory exercise for the army. During the Vietnam War, Korean soldiers applied actual use of Taekwondo, and steadily gained interest from people all over the world. Many countries competed to bring Taekwondo to their nation, and masters began teaching all over the world. In 1973, World Taekwondo Federation was established, following with organized infrastructures, along with Taekwondo masters spreading this martial art globally. Eventually this led to the world accepting Taekwondo as a Olympic sport.
Comparing Taekwondo advancement in matches and sport aspect, Taekwondo's mental and culture values have not been subjected for growth. It is a reality that authentic documentation for history of Taekwondo is lacking and we are in desperate need for further research.
Taekwondo is a representative brand of Korea following only after Hangul (Korean Language), globally prevalent in Asian, Europe, Africa, Pan-Am, and Oceania in the 5 continents with 188 member countries totaling over 70 million practitioners. There are 193 United Nations countries that practice Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a global representation of Korea.
Promoting Taekwondo's positive image and future visions, Kukkiwon strives to legally join under Ministry of Culture, pushing for a "Taekwondo, global cultural asset representing Korea". In retrospect, Taekwondo does have a bright future with Kukkiwon, Korea Taekwondo Association, and World Taekwondo Federation all working towards advancement of Taekwondo.
No matter the intentions of advancing Taekwondo, the way these organizations operate is the utmost importance. If the matches are not strictly judged upon skills and are involved in controversies, there can be no advancement can be achieved.
Also in the midst of Olympic sport issue, people cannot be self-interested and put their priorities before working to approve Taekwondo as an Olympic Core Sport. Rather than having people cooperate and functioning in unison, they are focused on their individual benefits.
Taekwondo needs changes. In order to do this, the old fashioned and men of controversial characters must be withdrawn. New men need to open a new age for Taekwondo. "New alcohol in new sack" adage is very appropriate in this case. We need make adjustments along the natural trend and if the leader is not a Taekwondo person, but is capable of leading, we need to follow.
Focusing on natural trend of the world and broadening to include the requests of other countries are absolute. We need a better system to communicate with the masters in other countries to assess and plan for bettering Taekwondo in a timely fashion. Years and years of experience they have can have immediate and practical changes.
Taekwondo does not only belong to Korea anymore. Taekwondo now belongs to the world and what they request is much more diverse and complicated to provide. We need to be able to keep up with the demands and quickly adjust so that we can accommodate for these people. We need to hand over Taekwondo to truly establish it as a global commodity.
We need to convince not only Taekwondo persons, but also the people that are not familiar with Taekwondo to understand that they are the future of Taekwondo and guide them in the right path for a bright future. It is our duty to convince these people to have interest in Taekwondo. We can no longer show the ongoing conflicts and pain that we cause to each other. As true Taekwondo people, we must work so they can be full of interest and begin to train Taekwondo. To develop Taekwondo into a fun martial art, we need to research and develop keeping non-practitioners as focus.
Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's campaign, "Taekwondo, global cultural asset representing Korea", seems like a plan that is fully thought out and also envisions practical implementation of necessary changes. Some of these important changes are, further research on authentication of Taekwondo historically, dan issuing, education and demonstrations, and for Kukkiwon to focus more domestically on the matters on hand, while World Taekwondo Federation work to appease the needs of foreign masters and to lead the continental federations.
I have trained Taekwondo all my life, and I love Taekwondo, Taekwondo is everything in life for me, and as this person, I sincerely speak from the heart. We need to put aside our self interest and work for a brighter future for Taekwondo. The world is changing and there is a strong demand for us to change as well. I respectfully bow my head and ask that we can be more self-sacrificing and work as one for the betterment of Taekwondo.
-MAC President Hong Kang Kim
http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1522
Accessed 3/10/2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Black Belts with an Asterisk*
Taken from http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1493
More than 300 black belts are approved to test at a once in a lifetime giveaway of dan rankings, at the US Open in Las Vegas February 15th. USAT, in conjunction with Kukkiwon, is selling the opportunity to triple dan skip, and possibly more. Mookas has evidence that at least one individual who is first dan will test for seventh. It was originally advertised that qualified individuals could test for 4th through 9th dan. This was later adjusted to 7th dan because of the general clamor and protests against this testing, to the Kukkiwon. In all fairness, there will be individuals who have participated and contributed greatly to our Taekwondo community that deserve higher Kukkiwon rank than they hold. I know masters that are KKW 2nd dan that should be fourth or fifth, and sixth dan's that should be seventh or higher by now, without question. But the weekend warriors and retirees who "dabble" or "once trained" are not equally experienced or qualified. They should not be rewarded for their having ceased to actively teach, contribute, keep up or participate; as there are many existing belt holders who have; for decades. It's simply not fair. Time eligibility for rank aside, what makes a master is many thousands of hours teaching, training, participating and actively contributing to Taekwondo at some level, locally or nationally. Being a black belt is only in part about competition history or physical abilities. It is very much about integrity as a way of life, perpetual discipline, citizenship, empowerment of others, and community contributions. Not about doing only what is required to be approved for, and ability, to pass a test. Now more than ever the saying "All black belts are not created equal" becomes true. Dave Askinas, USAT CEO and the MAC have compromised Taekwondo by allowing so many to test. The Kukkiwon I believe regrets consenting to this test, but could only modify a few conditions without withdrawing and totally losing face. With Taekwondo's struggle for credibility because of so many public controversies from judging, to an athlete kicking a referee in Beijing, and now this mass dan rank giveaway, Taekwondo takes another step backward in the public's perception. This testing contributes little to the community; it merely generates money for USAT.
The unfortunate thing is that all black belts will now have a diminished perceived value and worth, and lessened public perception. A TKD black belt will no longer be perceived as having earned this honored badge of accomplishment, as it was once perceived. People will ask "is your dan rank pre-or post-US Open testing?" All who test will have an asterisk* attached to their rank, be that deserved or not. This test is about generating money for USAT, not about reparations and deservedness to those left behind. USAT is selling dan certificates wholesale, unjustifiably devaluing a once treasured and precious asset. I believe that those who have demonstrated long term commitment through action should certainly be considered for promotions. But the weekend warriors, retirees and sleepers had their chance and abstained from involvement. Special circumstances to make reparations to the few who deserve it might be an appropriate action. But for many who applied to take this test it is not. Jhoon P. Choi has stated that with this testing, USAT will be able to expand its support base, and give USAT something to build upon. The inference here is that by giving so many people their increased dan ranking; they will support USAT and the MAC, out of appreciation and obligation. Do USAT and the MAC really believe they can buy peoples loyalty through promotions? How many of these same people will go home, take out sandpaper or a file and start "antiquing" their new belts?
USAT is desperate for money, hanging on by a financial thread, and its Askinas's job to assure USAT's fiscal well being. Yet it should not be at the cost of having what is valuable cheapened and diminished. This may play out like a Ponzi scheme, where the future value of having a Taekwondo black belt may end up being worthless. Perception of what a black belt is, is rapidly changing from the legendary and rare accomplishment it once was when held by "1 in 10,000". Masters will speak about how it was in the old days, how it used to be. That qualification is in part what makes this test deserved of an Asterisk.
The USAT website says there will be a short performance by the Folies Bergere at opening ceremonies. This is not appropriate considering the large numbers of adolescents to be present. They are a Tropicana Hotel based show, but they are a sexually evocative burlesque show, who also perform a general audience version. They kick high, just like in Taekwondo. But is USAT's goal to get the audience aroused and hot for Taekwondo? Because that's very likely the associative perception and message this sends. TKD and the Folies Bergere, a combination that common sense would declare is mutually exclusive, if not outright immoral. How about "No T & A with the TKD". Why cheapen everything about Taekwondo? Isn't cheapening the meaning of a black belt enough? Dave Askinas, Taekwondo is a family oriented sport, remember? Not your personal burlesque playground. Taekwondo is certainly not your opportunity chest to select whatever idea comes to mind to raise money, without exercising good judgment. Financial desperation is no justification for desecration of traditional TKD values. Like trying to sell Head of Delegation for 10G, or the Kick-a Thon Olympic athlete visit for 10G. Or a black belt testing, where to pay will change your past. And now Burlesque? Is this how USAT and the Mac will ensure "its initiative to restore martial arts traditions and values to the practice of Taekwondo?" This is absolute hypocrisy. How many Asterisks are enough?
Allan Schein
Copyright 2009*
Allan Schein is the co-author with Grandmaster Dong Keun Park of the book Tae Kwon Do Basics, Techniques and Forms. The Indomitable Martial Art of Korea. He is also a contributing editor and feature writer for Masters Magazine, and columnist for the US Taekwondo Committee.-
Certain areas of the www.mookas.us contain information supplied by visitors and others. www.mookas.us is not responsible for comments, advice, information, or any other posting made by visitors or others in these areas.
More than 300 black belts are approved to test at a once in a lifetime giveaway of dan rankings, at the US Open in Las Vegas February 15th. USAT, in conjunction with Kukkiwon, is selling the opportunity to triple dan skip, and possibly more. Mookas has evidence that at least one individual who is first dan will test for seventh. It was originally advertised that qualified individuals could test for 4th through 9th dan. This was later adjusted to 7th dan because of the general clamor and protests against this testing, to the Kukkiwon. In all fairness, there will be individuals who have participated and contributed greatly to our Taekwondo community that deserve higher Kukkiwon rank than they hold. I know masters that are KKW 2nd dan that should be fourth or fifth, and sixth dan's that should be seventh or higher by now, without question. But the weekend warriors and retirees who "dabble" or "once trained" are not equally experienced or qualified. They should not be rewarded for their having ceased to actively teach, contribute, keep up or participate; as there are many existing belt holders who have; for decades. It's simply not fair. Time eligibility for rank aside, what makes a master is many thousands of hours teaching, training, participating and actively contributing to Taekwondo at some level, locally or nationally. Being a black belt is only in part about competition history or physical abilities. It is very much about integrity as a way of life, perpetual discipline, citizenship, empowerment of others, and community contributions. Not about doing only what is required to be approved for, and ability, to pass a test. Now more than ever the saying "All black belts are not created equal" becomes true. Dave Askinas, USAT CEO and the MAC have compromised Taekwondo by allowing so many to test. The Kukkiwon I believe regrets consenting to this test, but could only modify a few conditions without withdrawing and totally losing face. With Taekwondo's struggle for credibility because of so many public controversies from judging, to an athlete kicking a referee in Beijing, and now this mass dan rank giveaway, Taekwondo takes another step backward in the public's perception. This testing contributes little to the community; it merely generates money for USAT.
The unfortunate thing is that all black belts will now have a diminished perceived value and worth, and lessened public perception. A TKD black belt will no longer be perceived as having earned this honored badge of accomplishment, as it was once perceived. People will ask "is your dan rank pre-or post-US Open testing?" All who test will have an asterisk* attached to their rank, be that deserved or not. This test is about generating money for USAT, not about reparations and deservedness to those left behind. USAT is selling dan certificates wholesale, unjustifiably devaluing a once treasured and precious asset. I believe that those who have demonstrated long term commitment through action should certainly be considered for promotions. But the weekend warriors, retirees and sleepers had their chance and abstained from involvement. Special circumstances to make reparations to the few who deserve it might be an appropriate action. But for many who applied to take this test it is not. Jhoon P. Choi has stated that with this testing, USAT will be able to expand its support base, and give USAT something to build upon. The inference here is that by giving so many people their increased dan ranking; they will support USAT and the MAC, out of appreciation and obligation. Do USAT and the MAC really believe they can buy peoples loyalty through promotions? How many of these same people will go home, take out sandpaper or a file and start "antiquing" their new belts?
USAT is desperate for money, hanging on by a financial thread, and its Askinas's job to assure USAT's fiscal well being. Yet it should not be at the cost of having what is valuable cheapened and diminished. This may play out like a Ponzi scheme, where the future value of having a Taekwondo black belt may end up being worthless. Perception of what a black belt is, is rapidly changing from the legendary and rare accomplishment it once was when held by "1 in 10,000". Masters will speak about how it was in the old days, how it used to be. That qualification is in part what makes this test deserved of an Asterisk.
The USAT website says there will be a short performance by the Folies Bergere at opening ceremonies. This is not appropriate considering the large numbers of adolescents to be present. They are a Tropicana Hotel based show, but they are a sexually evocative burlesque show, who also perform a general audience version. They kick high, just like in Taekwondo. But is USAT's goal to get the audience aroused and hot for Taekwondo? Because that's very likely the associative perception and message this sends. TKD and the Folies Bergere, a combination that common sense would declare is mutually exclusive, if not outright immoral. How about "No T & A with the TKD". Why cheapen everything about Taekwondo? Isn't cheapening the meaning of a black belt enough? Dave Askinas, Taekwondo is a family oriented sport, remember? Not your personal burlesque playground. Taekwondo is certainly not your opportunity chest to select whatever idea comes to mind to raise money, without exercising good judgment. Financial desperation is no justification for desecration of traditional TKD values. Like trying to sell Head of Delegation for 10G, or the Kick-a Thon Olympic athlete visit for 10G. Or a black belt testing, where to pay will change your past. And now Burlesque? Is this how USAT and the Mac will ensure "its initiative to restore martial arts traditions and values to the practice of Taekwondo?" This is absolute hypocrisy. How many Asterisks are enough?
Allan Schein
Copyright 2009*
Allan Schein is the co-author with Grandmaster Dong Keun Park of the book Tae Kwon Do Basics, Techniques and Forms. The Indomitable Martial Art of Korea. He is also a contributing editor and feature writer for Masters Magazine, and columnist for the US Taekwondo Committee.-
Certain areas of the www.mookas.us contain information supplied by visitors and others. www.mookas.us is not responsible for comments, advice, information, or any other posting made by visitors or others in these areas.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Head of Kukiwon, Um Woon Gyu, "Will retire this year"
Jun Chul Shin, Translation by: Richard Lee (2008/09/13)
http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1395
On September 11, I met the head of Kukkiwon Um Woon Gyu at a restaurant. Compared to previous times, the President of Kukkiwon looked very peaceful. As soon as I mentioned, "You look good", he quickly responded, "I think it's because my mind is at ease". Last June, Um Woon Gyu submitted his letter of resignation. He revealed opinions that he was not able to express before. "I have been together with Kukkiwon from the beginning. I have more love for Kukikwon than anyone can imagine. Then why I have submitted the letter of resignation. I have participated in the picket rally in front of the church the Seoul Committee has attended for more than 30 years. As soon as this occurred, Kukkiwon told me there is no need for me to be humiliated and stay here at Kukkiwon. Kukkiwon asked me to resign." In President Um's opinion, Kukkiwon is not performing to its potential. He believes the solution depends on the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to change the law. "Many people believe instead of In Cheon Yoo, I should remain to finish the job, but in order for Kukkiwon to have a new beginning, I should take a step back. Kukkiwon and the government will work cooperatively and follow a capable leader". He added, "no matter what the situation, there is no way I will return to Kukkiwon". From the outside, many people are complaining about President Um's continuing work at Kukkiwon. He stated, "I believe I needed to finish what I have started so that once our president gets inducted, he will start on a clean slate. I am frustrated because they are complaining about the few times that I went in". Soon after, we dropped the serious subject and had conversations about past TKD stories, army stories, TKD society and TKD personnel experiences. It seemed as though everything we talked about will probably written into a book.Lastly, the resignation topic came up. President Um said, "I don't want to make a deal about it. I just want to be able to leave on a happy note". He added, "I want to retire within this year". After dinner, going our separate ways, I noticed he looked light at feet and peaceful. Unfortunately, the person to take his position will bare a heavy burden.
http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1395
On September 11, I met the head of Kukkiwon Um Woon Gyu at a restaurant. Compared to previous times, the President of Kukkiwon looked very peaceful. As soon as I mentioned, "You look good", he quickly responded, "I think it's because my mind is at ease". Last June, Um Woon Gyu submitted his letter of resignation. He revealed opinions that he was not able to express before. "I have been together with Kukkiwon from the beginning. I have more love for Kukikwon than anyone can imagine. Then why I have submitted the letter of resignation. I have participated in the picket rally in front of the church the Seoul Committee has attended for more than 30 years. As soon as this occurred, Kukkiwon told me there is no need for me to be humiliated and stay here at Kukkiwon. Kukkiwon asked me to resign." In President Um's opinion, Kukkiwon is not performing to its potential. He believes the solution depends on the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to change the law. "Many people believe instead of In Cheon Yoo, I should remain to finish the job, but in order for Kukkiwon to have a new beginning, I should take a step back. Kukkiwon and the government will work cooperatively and follow a capable leader". He added, "no matter what the situation, there is no way I will return to Kukkiwon". From the outside, many people are complaining about President Um's continuing work at Kukkiwon. He stated, "I believe I needed to finish what I have started so that once our president gets inducted, he will start on a clean slate. I am frustrated because they are complaining about the few times that I went in". Soon after, we dropped the serious subject and had conversations about past TKD stories, army stories, TKD society and TKD personnel experiences. It seemed as though everything we talked about will probably written into a book.Lastly, the resignation topic came up. President Um said, "I don't want to make a deal about it. I just want to be able to leave on a happy note". He added, "I want to retire within this year". After dinner, going our separate ways, I noticed he looked light at feet and peaceful. Unfortunately, the person to take his position will bare a heavy burden.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Kukkiwon Tax Investigation
From http://mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1396
Testing Fee Tax Investigation Expected to Impact Leaders
Kukiwon Taekwondo testing fees incur a 'Profitable Business' tax investigation which will determine the fate of Kukiwon. The investigation began last September 8. and will continue with strong investigations until the 25th. According to the internal Kukiwon report, the IRS will investigate for the reasons, "Under the National Tax Law, Kukiwon prevents 'value-added tax' for the purpose of being a nonprofit organization, but the revenue it benefits from the testing fees and other fees received from applicants categorize the organization as a Profit Business", the Korean IRS said. Kukiwon has submitted a petition to Seo Byeong Su, head of the tax investigation. In the petition, it is stated that Kukiwon meet the Korean Standard Industrial Classification, and also the IRS has no evidence for the charges, and lastly that Kukiwon is a public interest organization to serve public good.A key Kukiwon official said, "After this tax investigation, IRS will go after KTA and city associations...,if testing fees force Kukiwon to be a Profit Business, same can be said for KTA and others. This can lead to economic loss and impact even the students". He added, "IRS needs to recognize that testing fees does not void the fact that Kukiwon is a nonprofit organization, for the purposes of public interest IRS should acknowledge the necessity of testing fees for business purposes, also an authoritative interpretation of testing fees as business profits should be repealed. In addition, the unfair tax investigation of Kukiwon must stop immediately", he said.This investigation is being closely monitored by the masters. One Kukiwon official said, "if testing fees require taxes, this will directly impact the TKD community, but mainly the Masters who run the dojangs". Grandmaster Han who has ran his dojang for over 10 years commented, "with the struggling economy, parents are already complaining about the testing fee of $120 (1 dan). If we need to impose additional fees, how can we not complain". TKD testing is the only business purpose Kukiwon holds, and they provide the registration certificates which include: registration fee of $7.10 (1 dan), KTA referral fee of ($2.60). Other organizations charge $7.80 for testing fee, but you have to include gym fees and training fees.
Testing Fee Tax Investigation Expected to Impact Leaders
Kukiwon Taekwondo testing fees incur a 'Profitable Business' tax investigation which will determine the fate of Kukiwon. The investigation began last September 8. and will continue with strong investigations until the 25th. According to the internal Kukiwon report, the IRS will investigate for the reasons, "Under the National Tax Law, Kukiwon prevents 'value-added tax' for the purpose of being a nonprofit organization, but the revenue it benefits from the testing fees and other fees received from applicants categorize the organization as a Profit Business", the Korean IRS said. Kukiwon has submitted a petition to Seo Byeong Su, head of the tax investigation. In the petition, it is stated that Kukiwon meet the Korean Standard Industrial Classification, and also the IRS has no evidence for the charges, and lastly that Kukiwon is a public interest organization to serve public good.A key Kukiwon official said, "After this tax investigation, IRS will go after KTA and city associations...,if testing fees force Kukiwon to be a Profit Business, same can be said for KTA and others. This can lead to economic loss and impact even the students". He added, "IRS needs to recognize that testing fees does not void the fact that Kukiwon is a nonprofit organization, for the purposes of public interest IRS should acknowledge the necessity of testing fees for business purposes, also an authoritative interpretation of testing fees as business profits should be repealed. In addition, the unfair tax investigation of Kukiwon must stop immediately", he said.This investigation is being closely monitored by the masters. One Kukiwon official said, "if testing fees require taxes, this will directly impact the TKD community, but mainly the Masters who run the dojangs". Grandmaster Han who has ran his dojang for over 10 years commented, "with the struggling economy, parents are already complaining about the testing fee of $120 (1 dan). If we need to impose additional fees, how can we not complain". TKD testing is the only business purpose Kukiwon holds, and they provide the registration certificates which include: registration fee of $7.10 (1 dan), KTA referral fee of ($2.60). Other organizations charge $7.80 for testing fee, but you have to include gym fees and training fees.
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