Shincheonji Taekwondo Team Shines at 2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus Taekwondo Team has once again demonstrated their prowess on the international stage by securing a remarkable haul of medals at the '2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition'. This event, hosted by the Park Chung-hee Cup Organizing Committee and co-hosted by the Gyeongbuk Taekwondo Association and the Sangju City Taekwondo Association, saw participation from approximately 4,200 athletes across 18 countries, including Korea, the United States, and France. The competition, held at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium, featured a variety of events such as comprehensive competition, breaking, poomsae, kicking, and actual sparring, providing a comprehensive assessment of the participants' skills.

Despite a brief preparation period, the Shincheonji Taekwondo team's 25 athletes excelled in the official poomsae individual competition, earning 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals. This achievement not only underscores the team's dedication and skill but also serves as a testament to the effective training and team management strategies employed by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The competition also served as a platform to enhance the cultural and diplomatic stature of the Republic of Korea, with the performances leaving a lasting impression on both domestic and international participants.

Lee Jun-wi, a gold medalist from the team, reflected on the team's preparation and success, stating, 'Although we did not have enough training time, we tried to focus as much as possible within the given time,' and expressed gratitude for the positive outcomes of their efforts. Coach Kim Deok-hoon praised the team's performance amidst the high level of competition, emphasizing the pride in their unwavering demonstration of skill. He also outlined plans for future competitions, aiming for broader participation and enhanced skills through systematic preparation.

The Shincheonji Taekwondo team's success at the Park Chung-hee Cup follows their impressive performance at the '2025 Kim Un-yong Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition' in Busan, where all participants won awards. Their consistent achievements in both domestic and international competitions, including the '2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Festival', highlight the team's rising status in the Taekwondo community. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to foster talent and contribute to healthy community activities across various fields, including sports, culture, and arts, furthering their mission of social contribution through sports.