Received the 'Honorary 9th Dan Certificate' in 2021
Youngest son Baron is a Taekwondo Dan holder
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States (78), is reported to have a surprising connection with Korea's 'Taekwondo.'
On the 7th, Yonhap News reported that Lee Dong-seop, the President of Kukkiwon (68), congratulated President-elect Trump, who holds the honorary 9th Dan in Taekwondo. President Lee stated, "I hope Trump's election will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the Korea-US alliance."
President Lee also said, "Congratulations on Trump's election," and added, "As the honorary 9th Dan of Taekwondo, the national martial art of the Republic of Korea, I ask for active support in the development and promotion of Taekwondo in the United States."
President-elect Donald Trump of the United States and Lee Dong-seop, President of Kukkiwon. Provided by Kukkiwon
The connection between President-elect Trump and Taekwondo dates back about three years. On November 19, 2021, President Lee visited Trump’s private residence at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. There, he awarded Trump the honorary 9th Dan certificate in Taekwondo and presented him with a Taekwondo uniform.
President Lee recalled, "At that time, I had a long conversation with President-elect Trump about the Korea-US alliance and peace between North and South Korea," and introduced their connection, adding, "He expressed his intention to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula."
He also said, "President-elect Trump wore the uniform we prepared and received the honorary 9th Dan certificate," and "I remember him giving a thumbs-up, saying Taekwondo is the best among martial arts sports."
President Lee emphasized, "At that time, President-elect Trump promised that if he succeeded in re-election, he would wear the uniform and give a speech in Congress," and added, "I hope the government will actively support the development of Taekwondo in the future."
The news of President-elect Trump receiving the 'Honorary 9th Dan in Taekwondo' was also a hot topic among overseas netizens at the time. After receiving the 9th Dan certificate, he commented, "Taekwondo is an excellent martial art for protecting oneself in times like these," and said, "It is very special and an honor to receive the honorary Dan certificate."
The background behind President Lee awarding the honorary 9th Dan certificate to President-elect Trump is said to involve his youngest son, Barron Trump. Barron is a Dan holder in Taekwondo, and Choi Eung-gil, former President of the Virginia Taekwondo Association, is known to have played a 'middleman' role.
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