Taekwondo Legend's Posthumous Honor: A Legacy That Lives On!

The Overseas Koreans Agency has posthumously honored the late Rhee Jhoon-goo, a true Taekwondo master, as its "Overseas Korean of the Month." It's a fitting tribute, really, considering the man's profound impact on globalizing the Korean martial art and fostering something truly special: sports diplomacy between Korea and the United States.

Taekwondo Legend's Posthumous Honor: A Legacy That...

Rhee, who passed away some years ago, is rightly credited with establishing Taekwondo in the U.S. He didn't just introduce a new fighting style; he transformed it. He took what was essentially a form of self-defense and turned it into a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange, international diplomacy, and, ultimately, a sport with global reach.

Born in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, back in 1932, Rhee’s journey began at 16, learning taekwondo at the prestigious Chung Do Kwan, one of Korea's oldest martial arts schools. Fast forward to 1957, and you find him studying civil engineering at Texas State University. But his passion for taekwondo wouldn’t be contained. He founded a taekwondo club and began sharing his knowledge with American students – a pivotal moment, wouldn’t you say?

From those humble beginnings, Rhee went on to establish over 60 taekwondo studios across the U.S., truly becoming a driving force in popularizing the sport. But his vision extended far beyond American shores. He even spearheaded the expansion of taekwondo into the then-forbidden territory of the former Soviet Union. Imagine the courage it took to travel there, advocating for legalization, organizing seminars, and laying the groundwork for the sport's eventual recognition and widespread adoption. It's a remarkable story of dedication.

And the impact doesn't stop there. Rhee's influence reached global icons. Think Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali. He elevated taekwondo's international profile through these connections. At Lee's suggestion, Rhee even appeared in a Hong Kong film! He served as a coach to Ali, facilitating the legendary boxer's visit to Korea and contributing to that very valuable sports-based international exchange.

The accolades speak for themselves. In 2000, Rhee was recognized as the only Korean American among 203 of the most successful and celebrated immigrants in U.S. history. Washington, D.C., even designated June 28 as "Jhoon Rhee Day" in 2003. He also received Korea’s Order of Civil Merit in 2009. Quite a legacy.

"Rhee dedicated his life to taekwondo," said Overseas Koreans Agency Commissioner Kim Kyung-hyup, "introducing its values to the U.S. and beyond as a pioneer of the sport and an early figure in the Korean wave. By naming him as Overseas Korean of the Month, we hope his passion and dedication will be more widely recognized and remembered by future generations." It's a sentiment I think we can all agree with. Remembering those who pave the way is crucial, and Rhee Jhoon-goo certainly paved a path for taekwondo that continues to inspire.