Скачать или смотреть [Features reporter] Taekwondo brings the world together as Muju World Grand Prix Challenge wraps up

태권도로 하나 되는 세계인 2025 무주 세계그랑프리챌린지 성황리에 폐막

From the global stage of Taekwondo to its home here in Korea, the spotlight this weekend was on South Korea’s southern county of Muju. And Hyobeen, I heard you went there yourself?


Right Soa.
I was at one of the biggest and boldest Taekwondo competitions, the 2025 Muju World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge.
While sports are often about winning, what I saw here was the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Let's take a look.

The 2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge wrapped up on Sunday at the Taekwondowon’s T1 Stadium in Muju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province.
Over four days of competition, more than 300 athletes from 32 countries showcased their skills in front of cheering crowds.
Throughout the event, the venue was filled with cheers as matches delivered dramatic knockouts, narrow victories, and moments of pure sportsmanship.

This year, Team Korea won a total of two gold and five silver medals.

"I was disappointed with an injury at the last Grand Prix Challenge, but I’m really happy to win gold this time. The next Olympics will likely be my last, so I want to prepare well and finish without regrets."


Also, Paris Olympic gold medalist Park Tae-joon, who first won here in 2022, once again proved why he’s one of Taekwondo’s brightest stars.

But this year’s Grand Prix Challenge in Muju was about more than just medals.
In line with the Olympic spirit of inclusion, organizers invited athletes from developing nations and those with backgrounds as refugees.
A total of five refugee athletes joined the event this year.

"In this physical preparation I did in the Taekwondo in Korea it was, I didn't try before so it was too hard for me, but a pleasure. I learned many things from Korea. I have two dreams. First of all, I would like to say about the refugee people. I would like to be a good example for the refugee people Another, my purpose of course, I want to finish my career with the Olympics medals."

Organizers said the Grand Prix Challenge aims to reflect Taekwondo’s universal values.

"We often say it’s '213 countries plus one’. And that 'plus one' refers to refugees. Taekwondo may be an Olympic sport, but as Korea’s traditional martial art, it also stands for global peace and supports those in need."


From different corners of the world, these athletes have gathered in Muju for this challenge, to share the spirit of sports.
And in Taekwondo, they’ve found a bond stronger than nationality.


What a meaningful and exciting event Hyo-been!
Tell us a bit more about the World Grand Prix Challenge and how the mood was out there.


Soa, the stadium was full of energy throughout the event.
As I mentioned before, more than 300 athletes from 32 countries gathered for this challenge.
This World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge was first introduced in 2022.
Winners can earn up to 20 ranking points, making this a crucial first step toward the Olympic Games.
This year’s competition was especially notable, as, unlike in the past, some of the sport's very best athletes, including Olympic gold medalists, took part.


That really shows how big this tournament has become in such a short time.
Among all those matches, what were some of your personal highlights?


It's quite hard to choose because I really enjoyed watching them all.
But personally, Saturday's competition comes to mind.
In the final match of the Men's -58kg, two South Korean Taekwondo athletes competed fiercely.
I rooted for both of them, but Bae Jun-seo won the gold medal and Kim Jong-myeong won silver.
We’ll see if he can rise as a new Taekwondo star at the 2028 LA Olympics, just like Park Tae-joon.


But beyond the medals, you also mentioned seeing the true spirit of sports on display, right?


Yes, one scene I remember is that after the match, a Brazilian athlete went to Park Tae-joon and said he truly admires him.
These small moments, along with the presence of refugee athletes, show how Taekwondo is more than just a sport; it’s about hope and unity as well.


A powerful message indeed. Thank you for bringing us the story.


It was my pleasure.

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2025-09-01, 10.00 (KST)