I extend my warmest welcome to Executive board member Mr. Yu Zaiqing and members of the IOC, President Choue Chung-won of the World Taekwondo Federation(WTF) and the teams from 183 countries around the world.

And today, we have guests who are the closest in distance but perhaps had to travel the greatest lengths to get here.
I would like to sincerely welcome IOC Member Mr. Chang Ung, President Ri Yong-son of the International Taekwondo Federation(ITF) and the ITF demo team.

Beloved Taekwondo family members!

First and foremost, I would like to introduce the venue of Muju, a place that resembles the spirit of Taekwondo.
The name of Muju itself embodies the spirit of unity and harmony. Two thousand years ago, Mu-Poong of the Silla Kingdom and Ju-Gye of the Baekje Kingdom merged to form Muju.

Since ancient times, Muju has been a land of martial artists.
Korea’s most beautiful valley of Guchondong located here, gets its name from nine thousand warriors who trained martial arts in this valley.

As the Silla and Baekje Kingdoms became one here in Muju, I hope that the WTF and ITF can become one, South and North Korea can become one and the world can become one as well.
I also hope you may all take back with you the spiritual force of the martial artists.

Members of the Taekwondo family!

Over the past half century, Taekwondo has made remarkable advancements.
It has grown from a martial art of Korea to a sporting martial art of the world practiced by 80 million. Now youngsters from 232 countries around the globe wear white uniforms and build physical strength and character.

This is the achievement of the international Taekwondo family, numerous masters and trainees who have introduced Taekwondo to the world as civilian diplomats donning black belts.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the elders of Taekwondo and all members of the international Taekwondo family.

Courtesy is the alpha and omega of Taekwondo. We train to build a strong body, but we also learn to use that strength for good and justice with an indomitable spirit.

Abiding by this spirit, members of the Taekwondo family contribute to peace, co-existence and prosperity of humanity.
In particular, I thank the WTF for its efforts to promote world peace and harmony.

The WTF established the Humanitarian Foundation to foster the dreams of youngsters in refugee camps, disaster-stricken areas and developing countries around the world. The WTF is recognized as the most exemplary international sporting organization as President Thomas Bach of the IOC has also pointed out.

Furthermore, I have heard the WTF demo team is working to return the favor by participating in the ITF’s competition to be held in Pyongyang this September. I hope this return visit takes place and provides a significant turning point for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Moreover, I hope the WTF’s friendship match between Israel and Palestine will also materialize so that Taekwondo may leave its name on the bedrock of world peace.

Beloved members of the Taekwondo family!

Sports are the most powerful tools of peace that can eliminate all barriers and gaps.
Sweating together is the catalyst for reconciliation and unity.

The United States, China and Vietnam which were once at odds with each other made peace through ping pong diplomacy.
It was thanks to the efforts of FIFA that the integrated football league in South Africa could be launched.

I believe in the power of sports that has been creating peace.
It is a pleasure that the new administration’s first inter-Korean sports exchange is taking place through this championship competition.
In particular, the demonstration by the ITF in a WTF competition held in Korea is a historic first.
The harmony and amity between the two Federations will of course be of great assistance for the reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

I hope the achievements made here in the field of Taekwondo may be carried over to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics next year.
If the North Korean team were to participate in the Pyeongchang Olympics, it would contribute greatly to realizing the Olympic values of harmony of mankind and world peace.

It is my wish that we may relive the glory of the 1991 Table Tennis World Championships and International Youth Football Tournament.
I would like to feel once again the moving emotions of the 2000 Sydney Olympics when the world applauded the athletes of South and North Korea marching together in the opening ceremony.
I hope the North Korean cheering squad may also participate to create a turning point for reconciliation between the two Koreas.

I ask Mr. Chang Ung and the IOC members here with us for your keen interest and cooperation.
You have my word that the Korean government will make all necessary efforts and provide active support.

Dear members of the Taekwondo Family!

This is the seventh Championship event held in Korea.
Yet the Organizing Committee and the Korea Taekwondo Association have made their most sincere preparations as if it were their first time.
I hope you all may display the best of your abilities in your best condition without any inconvenience throughout the course of the event.

Furthermore, I also hope you may fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Muju and the culture of Korea during your stay.

I express my deep appreciation to President Lee Yun-taek and the staff of the Organizing Committee who have given their all in making preparations, to Governor Song Ha-jin and the people of North Jeolla Province for their sincere support and the 551 volunteers who have made this event possible.
I also wish all participating athletes the best of luck, health and success.

Thank you.