Chairman Kang Tae-sun of Black Yak Announces Candidacy for Korea Sports Council President... "Seoul Olympic Bid"

"Strengths of Sports Professional Managers"

Kang Tae-seon, chairman of BYN Black Yak, is running for the next president of the Korea Sports Council. Chairman Kang currently serves as the president of the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council.

At a press conference announcing his candidacy held on the afternoon of the 11th at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Chairman Kang stated, "I will create a healthy Republic of Korea through transparent and responsible sports management," expressing his intention to run.

Kang Tae-seon, chairman of BYN Black Yak and president of the Seoul Sports Council, held a press conference on the 11th at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, to announce his candidacy for the 42nd president of the Korean Sports Council. At the press conference, Chairman Kang revealed his vision to "create a healthy Korea through transparent and responsible sports management," officially launching his election campaign. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

He emphasized that the sports community, trapped in conflict and distrust, must overcome the current situation and create a sports council that works together with the people.

As his pledges for the Korea Sports Council presidency, Chairman Kang proposed ▲ establishing a fair sports system ▲ financial stabilization for the virtuous cycle development of school sports, recreational sports, and professional sports ▲ improving the treatment of athletes and coaches in poor environments ▲ enhancing the status as a leading sports nation by hosting global mega sports events.

In particular, he expressed his intention to revitalize the sports economy by hosting the 2036 Seoul Olympics. Chairman Kang said, "By successfully hosting the 2036 Seoul Olympics, I will make the Republic of Korea the center of world sports," adding, "We will raise our status as a leading sports nation by attracting global mega sports events."

Chairman Kang concluded the press conference by emphasizing, "Through transparent and fair operation of the Sports Council, we will restore trust with the public and strive to establish sportsmanship and fairness as core values in our society’s culture. The Korea Sports Council must lead this role."

Chairman Kang highlighted his strengths as a professional sports manager. He serves as chairman of BYN Black Yak Group, a company specializing in outdoor products, and also works as president of the Korea Outdoor Sports Industry Association. Kang stated, "I am both a sportsman and a manager," and pledged, "While fulfilling my role as a sportsman, I will also ensure that areas capable of revitalizing the economy are handled decisively from a managerial perspective."

Since he is chairman of Black Yak, a sports equipment brand, concerns about conflicts of interest were raised. In response, Chairman Kang said, "I have never experienced any conflicts of interest as a businessman while serving in social organizations, sports organizations, or as president of the Seoul Sports Council," emphasizing, "If I had pursued personal gain, I would not even be standing here today. I can say this with confidence."

Kang Tae-seon, chairman of BYN Black Yak and president of the Seoul Sports Council, is greeting ahead of his announcement to run for the 42nd president of the Korea Sports Council at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 11th. At the press conference, Chairman Kang revealed his vision to "create a healthy Korea through transparent and responsible sports management," officially launching his election campaign. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Born in 1949 and originally from Jeju Island, Chairman Kang previously served as president of the Korea Scout Association. He currently holds positions as chairman of BYN Black Yak, president of the Seoul Sports Council, and president of the Korea Outdoor Sports Industry Association.

Meanwhile, the election for the 42nd president of the Korea Sports Council is scheduled for January 14 next year. Besides Chairman Kang, other declared candidates include the current president Lee Ki-heung, who is seeking a third term; former Korea Table Tennis Association president Yoo Seung-min; Dankook University honorary professor Kang Shin-wook; former Gangwon Province Sports Council secretary-general Kim Yong-ju; former Korea Wushu Association president Park Chang-beom; and former Incheon mayor Ahn Sang-soo.