Kim Un-yong, former president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, showcased his athleticism in his 40s, achieving a 100m sprint in 14.3 seconds and performing 100 consecutive double jump ropes. In 1973, at age 42, Kim, then president of the Korea Taekwondo Association, highlighted his consistent jump rope routine since 1962. Despite not having a typical athletic build (169cm, 82kg), he demonstrated his fitness by jumping and lightly touching the 3m-high ceiling with both hands, he emphasized his efforts in promoting taekwondo, leading to its adoption as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and as an official sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Later in life, Kim faced legal issues, including embezzlement charges and allegations of interfering with the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics bid. Despite these controversies, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee honored him as a 'Sports Hero' in 2015.

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Board of Trustees meeting in Lausanne focused on strengthening partnerships with the Olympic Movement and establishing new funding models for refugee youth. Key decisions included expanding the Hope and Dreams Taekwondo Competitions to Rwanda and Eswatini, celebrating the THF's 10th anniversary in 2026, and strengthening ties with the IOC and Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), which has committed over $500,000 to support refugee taekwondo athletes for Dakar 2026 and LA28. The board also approved the 2026 operational budget with increased funding for grassroots projects in refugee camps and discussed elevating refugee youth as sports ambassadors.

The Philippines will host the Men’s Volleyball World Championship in 2025, marking a strategic move to enhance sports tourism and solidify its role in regional sports diplomacy. Organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the FIVB’s “Volleyball Empowerment” program, the event aims to boost the sport's development, improve infrastructure, and promote the country as a venue for major sporting events. The tournament, featuring a new 32-team format, is expected to generate substantial revenue and strengthen the Philippines' position within the Olympic Council of Asia.

The IOC is under scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest involving former IOC Vice-President Ng Ser Miang in the lead-up to the 2027 Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh. Allegations center on Ng's influence over the selection of disciplines, particularly Virtual Taekwondo, developed by Refract Technologies where his son is a director. While the IOC maintains Ng has fulfilled his obligations and decisions lie with the Executive Board and IOC Session, concerns persist about transparency and impartiality. Virtual Taekwondo, developed with World Taekwondo, aims to bridge tradition and innovation.

Kim has been officially confirmed as an ex-officio vice president of World Taekwondo following his election as president of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) on July 24, succeeding Lee Kyu-seok. Kim's term began on July 30 and will continue until October 30, 2025. He secured 33 votes, narrowly defeating Yang Jin-bang. Kim, backed by Lee Kyu-seok, will serve a four-year term concluding in 2029. His vision focuses on growth, innovation, integration, and fairness. He has corporate and athletic experience, including leading a shipbuilding equipment company, and has supported the Afghanistan national team.