The sound of Taekwondo kiai echoed in the White House, a special moment to promote Korean culture.

In front of the White House, the sound of kiai from approximately 2,000 Taekwondo practitioners resonated. A spectacular scene unfolded as Taekwondo black belts from across the United States performed Taeguk 1 simultaneously.

According to JTBC on the 19th, on the 18th (local time), cheers echoed from the audience as Taekwondo practitioners in uniforms demonstrated synchronized movements during a special performance by the Kukkiwon demonstration team.

This event was the "Hanmaum Taekwondo Festival," organized by Kukkiwon to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

This event is recorded as the first large-scale Taekwondo performance to be held in front of the White House.

Americans of various ages and ethnicities, from young children to the elderly, came out wearing white uniforms, drawing attention.

About 2,000 black belts gathered from various parts of the United States showcased the Taegukgi and the Stars and Stripes, with cheers erupting in various places.

Kukkiwon

According to Kukkiwon, four years ago, in 2021, the awarding of an honorary 9th Dan to then-President Donald Trump served as the impetus for this event.

At that time, President Trump remarked, "It is a truly special honor to receive the black belt. I hope to come back someday with the Kukkiwon team and show Taekwondo to many people."

Cultural exchange and value transmission through Taekwondo

Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-seop explained, "President Trump had requested to bring the Kukkiwon demonstration team, so I came here today to respond to that request." This event became an important opportunity to promote Korean culture, going beyond a mere martial arts demonstration.

The participants expressed that they came to a deeper understanding of Korean culture through Taekwondo.

John Banum from Virginia, who attended the event, shared his thoughts: "I see how Taekwondo builds confidence and teaches respect for elders. These are values I want to practice and teach my children in the U.S."

Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi also visited the event, stating, "Taekwondo helps Americans understand Korea, but it also helps them become better people."

Naver TV 'JTBC News'

Image source: jtbc, Kukkiwon, Lee Dong-seop, President of Kukkiwon / News1