The Ivorian Ministry of Sports is accelerating its efforts to develop taekwondo. Minister Adjé Silas Metch received Grand Master Yun Ung Suk, president of the World Taekwondo Academy (Kukkiwon), at the Plateau Administrative City. Discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation to propel the sport to new heights.

To recognize his exceptional commitment, the Ivorian government has elevated Grand Master Yun Ung Suk to the rank of Grand Officer in the Order of Sporting Merit .

1. A massive and historic regularization of ranks

One of the major objectives of this working visit is to improve the administrative processes for local athletes. The support of the Kukkiwon will help to expedite the international grading process for many taekwondo practitioners, whose applications had been pending for years.

"This is the first time that a single country has such a large number of practitioners involved in the regularization of international grades." — Grand Master Siaka Minayaha Coulibaly , President of the Kukkiwon Commission in Ivory Coast.

This nationwide operation pursues three key objectives:

1. To offer new career and development opportunities to athletes.
2. To enhance the credibility of the national certification system.
3. To increase the competitiveness of Ivorian fighters in world competitions.

2. Ivory Coast, an essential hub for African taekwondo

The choice of Ivory Coast for President Yun Ung Suk's first official trip to Africa (he took office in September 2025) was no accident. The country enjoys undeniable historical and sporting legitimacy:

1. Continental pioneer: The first African country to affiliate with the Kukkiwon in 1973.
2. Local popularity: Taekwondo is now one of the most practiced sports in the country, just behind football and basketball.
3. Talent pool: A record number of black belts trained and regular international performances.

This strategic position has been consolidated since 2023 by the establishment in Abidjan of a regional office of the Kukkiwon , the result of an agreement with the Ivorian Taekwondo Federation (FITKD). This decentralized body now serves as a lever to guide the development of the discipline throughout West Africa.

3. A shared vision for the future

Minister Adjé Silas Metch reaffirmed that the enthusiasm of Ivorian youth required training programs aligned with the highest global standards.

For his part, Grand Master Yun Ung Suk warmly thanked the Ivorian authorities for their welcome and distinction, while guaranteeing the unwavering support of the World Academy to sustainably structure the training of instructors and practitioners in the sub-region.