Shincheonji Taekwondo team sweeps international medals
The Shincheonji Taekwondo Team poses for a commemorative photo at the 2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships, held at Sangju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongsangbuk-do from July 18 to 21.
The Shincheonji Taekwondo team has once again cemented its reputation on the global stage, delivering an all-medal performance at the 2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships.
The event, held from July 18–21 at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium, drew over 4,200 athletes from 18 countries, including South Korea, the United States, and France. Competitors battled across various categories such as poomsae, breaking, kicking, and sparring, in what has become a highly regarded international taekwondo showcase.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony commonly referred to as Shincheonji Church sent 25 athletes to the championships. Despite limited preparation time, the team delivered a powerful performance on July 19, winning an impressive 4 gold, 7 silver, and 14 bronze medals, a full sweep with every participant earning a podium finish.
A moment of pride for Korean sports and cultural diplomacy
The tournament also served as a symbol of Korea’s enduring influence in global sports and cultural diplomacy. As the birthplace of taekwondo, South Korea’s successful hosting of the event left a strong impression on international athletes and observers alike.
“We didn’t have much time to train, but I tried to stay as focused as possible during the time we had,” said Lee Jun-wi, who claimed gold.
“I’m grateful that my efforts paid off, and I’m proud to represent my team and country on this stage.”
Coach reflects on high-level performance
Kim Deok-hoon, Head Coach of the Shincheonji Taekwondo Team, praised the competitive standard and expressed pride in the team’s performance:
“This was a top-level international competition, featuring elite athletes from across the world,” he said.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for remaining composed and delivering their best. We’ll use this experience to improve our training systems and return even stronger next year.”
Dominating the international circuit
This victory adds to Shincheonji’s growing record of excellence in global taekwondo. Just earlier this month, the team competed at the 2025 Kim Un-yong Cup International Open in Busan, where all 12 athletes won medals, including 2 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze finishes.
At the 2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Hanmadang, 5 of the 18 Shincheonji athletes also secured medals, reinforcing the team’s reputation for consistency, discipline, and performance on both domestic and international platforms.
Beyond faith: Building community through sports
While widely recognized for its religious mission, Shincheonji Church continues to make a strong impact in sports, culture, and the arts. The church actively supports youth development, community wellness, and talent nurturing through organized programs and outreach efforts.
By promoting healthy lifestyles and national pride through sport, Shincheonji’s taekwondo initiative stands as a powerful example of how faith-based organizations can contribute meaningfully to society beyond the boundaries of religion.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus must shine