On June 24-30, the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships were held in Muju, South Korea. The Taekwondo presented by the North Korean Team stirred up the audience quite a bit.
Both the self-defense and sparring techniques from North Korea’s team were loaded with fierce aggressiveness. It is quite different from the South Korean style, which takes Taekwondo as a more spiritual way of cultivation.
The contrasting fighting techniques could be a deeper reflection of the disparities between the two countries.
North Korea is a publicly atheist country governed under communist rule since 1945, where spirituality is discouraged. Unlike South Korea, who still inherit and uphold traditional Korean values.
“The North Korean’s performance seems employing great force. It’s different from the South Korean style. Hope in the future, they can find a way to mix and balance each other,” says audience member JEON HA-EOK.
It is the first time that ITF, International Taekwondo Federation, with its North Korean President, sent a Demonstration Team to the event.
Ri Yong Son, ITF’s president, said the event was a great opportunity to understand both countries better.
“We spend a great time here, not because of the good food or hospitality, but to deepen the understanding of each other. That is most enjoyable,” said Ri Yong Son.
Taekwondo could be a possible gateway for better relations and understanding between the two countries, especially as it promotes traditional martial arts.
The Muju contest was held by World Taekwondo Federation, the world governing body of the sport of taekwondo and a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations.
