World Taekwondo leadership honors late pioneer Park Young-ghil in Rome - The Korea Times

The World Taekwondo leadership honors the late taekwondo pioneer Park Young Ghil at his resting place on the outskirts of Rome, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

ROME — The World Taekwondo leadership paused during the World Taekwondo Grand Prix, Saturday, to honor the late Grand Master Park Young-ghil, the pioneer who established taekwondo in Italy.

World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won led a delegation to Park's resting place on the outskirts of Rome. Joined by Park's family, the group laid flowers and observed a moment of silence for the master, who died in December 2024.

Choue praised Park as an invaluable figure who spent his life establishing taekwondo in Italy and expanding the sport's global reach, noting that the late master's dedication and humble service left a lasting legacy.

World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won touches the headstone of late taekwondo pioneer Park Young-ghil at his resting place on the outskirts of Rome, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk