Taekwondo World Suffers Two Losses
September 28, 2026 (NYC)– The international Taekwondo community is mourning a profound and painful period of loss following the passing of two figures deeply woven into the fabric of our global family: Lee Yoo-kyung, the beloved wife of World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue, and Grandmaster H. K. Lee (9th Dan).
Both individuals left indelible marks on the lives of practitioners, leaders, and families worldwide, reminding us of the deep personal bonds that unite the Taekwondo community far beyond the competition floor.
Passing of Lee Yoo-kyung, Wife of World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Lee Yoo-kyung, wife of World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue, passed away.
Dr. Choue and their four children—two sons and two daughters—are mourning the loss alongside extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
The wake is currently being held in Room 12 of the funeral hall at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital in Seoul. The funeral procession is scheduled to depart on Wednesday, September 30, at 7:00 a.m. local time.
While Dr. Choue has dedicated much of his life to the global development of Taekwondo, leading the international federation as President, the global community comes together at this difficult hour not around his role as a sports leader, but in heartfelt sympathy with a husband, a father, and a family navigating an immense personal loss.
In Loving Memory of Grandmaster H. K. Lee (1947–2026)
The global community is also mourning the loss of Grandmaster H. K. Lee, 9th Dan, who passed away on September 26, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born on April 24, 1947, Grandmaster H.K. Lee was a revered pillar within the martial arts community, known and respected by countless practitioners for living a life defined by dignity, honor, and unwavering dedication to the art of Taekwondo. For many, he was a master teacher who embodied the true spirit of a traditional martial artist.
For his family, however, his impact was immeasurably deeper. In a heartfelt tribute shared by his sibling, Grandmaster Lee was remembered not only as a towering martial arts figure, but as a guiding light who brought family members to America and built the foundation that allowed them to walk the path of true Taekwondo.
A Time for Reflection and Unity
To lose two such significant pillars within days of one another is a heavy blow to the international Taekwondo family. Whether mourning alongside our global leadership or honoring the passing of a foundational master teacher and mentor, the martial arts community stands united in grief, remembrance, and support.
We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Dr. Chungwon Choue, his children, and the entire Choue family, as well as to the family, students, and loved ones of Grandmaster H.K. Lee.
May they both rest in peace.
