08 Apr 2026
A Message of Gratitude and Remembrance Following the Passing of Prof. Chang Ung
Over the past week, the International Taekwon-Do Federation has been deeply moved and truly overwhelmed by the many messages of condolence and by the recognition shown around the world for the life and contributions of our Honorary Life President, Prof. Chang Ung, to the development of sport, the Olympic Movement and Taekwon-Do.
Now that nine days have passed since this tragic loss, on behalf of the family of Prof. Chang Ung and on behalf of ITF President Prof. GM RI Yong Son, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared in our mourning, and especially to the International Olympic Committee and its President, Mrs. Kirsty Coventry, as well as to World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue, for the respect, humanity and dignity shown in memory of a truly exceptional man.
The tribute paid by the IOC carried profound meaning for us. It honoured not only the memory of Prof. Chang Ung, but also a life devoted to service at the highest level of international sport. His path stands as a rare and distinguished bridge between Taekwon-Do, the Olympic Movement and the wider global sporting community.
We are equally grateful for the personal letter of condolence sent by Dr. Chungwon Choue to the ITF President. At a moment of sorrow, this gesture reminded all of us of the deep shared roots of ITF and WT, of the history we carry together, and of the responsibility we share for the future of Taekwon-Do. In his message, President Choue recalled the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games and the signing of the Protocol of Accord, as well as the historic joint demonstration in Muju in 2017, as symbols of dialogue, peace and harmony through sport.
Entrusted by Founder General Choi Hong Hi with the leadership of the ITF at a decisive moment in our history, Prof. Chang Ung preserved and carried forward a great legacy with vision, loyalty and international stature. The recognition shown to his life by the IOC and World Taekwondo is also a recognition of that continuity, of the living heritage of our Federation, and of the enduring place of the ITF within the history of international Taekwon-Do.
We remain grateful, humbled and strengthened by these expressions of respect. In faithful remembrance of Prof. Chang Ung, and with the blessing of the legacy left to us by General Choi Hong Hi and by Prof. Chang Ung himself, the ITF will continue to move forward with dignity and purpose. We remain convinced that the dream of One Taekwon-Do lives on, and that, sooner or later, it will find its full expression.
May Prof. Chang Ung rest in eternal peace.
