Yoon Hong-geun, President of the Skating Federation, "Will Not Run in Next Presidential Election"

"I will always support as an eternal ice skating enthusiast"

Yoon Hong-geun, President of the Korea Skating Union (and Chairman of Genesis BBQ Group), announced on the 8th that he will not run in the upcoming presidential election.

President Yoon took office as the 33rd president of the Korea Skating Union after the union went through a difficult period as a management organization from 2018 to 2020. He is recognized for his efforts to normalize the union by stabilizing administration and finances, improving the national team’s international performance, developing youth programs, hosting international competitions domestically, and promoting recreational sports.

Yoon Hong-geun, Chairman of Genesis BBQ, is delivering a welcome speech at the Genesis BBQ Chicken Pension Happiness Delivery Ceremony held on the 21st at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

During his term, President Yoon consistently engaged in sports activities, serving as the head of the delegation for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2023 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, and chairman of the organizing committees for the 4th round of the 2023/24 ISU Short Track World Cup and the 4th round of the 2024/25 ISU Short Track World Tour. He also supported athletes’ morale by increasing Olympic team bonuses, providing chicken pensions, and offering local food and beverage support during international competitions.

President Yoon stated, “The skating community, which faced difficulties, seems to have stabilized to some extent thanks to the efforts of the executive branch and the secretariat over the past four years. I expect the new administration to further develop our skating community. As an eternal member of the skating world, I will continue to show unwavering interest and support for the development of Korean skating anytime and anywhere.”

He added, “I plan to continue supporting less popular sports and young athletes in the future,” expressing his ongoing commitment to the development of the sports community.