📰 Kimsabu’s Taekwondo Mission – Media Coverage (Tajikistan & Uganda)
As a government-dispatched Taekwondo master, Kimsabu has carried out various missions in Tajikistan and Uganda, sharing the spirit and values of Taekwondo.
His activities have been featured in media reports from both countries, drawing attention from local communities.
In Uganda, media reports mainly focused on Kimsabu’s Taekwondo activities.
Promotion tests, demonstrations, tournaments, leadership training, and programs within the military and universities were introduced through news articles and broadcasts.
These media records serve as a chronicle of Kimsabu’s mission and the development of Taekwondo activities in both Tajikistan and Uganda.
📰 New Vision
Publication Date: April 21, 2023
News Summary: Grandmaster Kim Kwang-Joo officially began his role in Uganda as a dispatched Taekwondo master from Kukkiwon, establishing collaboration with UPDF and universities.
📰 Kawowo Sports
Publication Date: December 6, 2024
News Summary: The Ugandan Taekwondo community officially expressed gratitude for the Korean Embassy’s significant contributions to Taekwondo system improvement, Poomsae workshops, and training programs for the police and UPDF.
📰 New Vision
Publication Date: February 1, 2024
News Summary: Grandmaster Kim Kwangju is officially introduced as Uganda’s new Taekwondo coach, beginning his work as part of a Taekwondo technical cooperation initiative led by the Korean Embassy.
📰 Sunrise Uganda
Publication Date: September 24, 2023
News Summary: Makerere University (MUK) launches an official Taekwondo training center, offering programs for students and the local community.
📰 Media Outlet: Taekwondo Aktuell (German Taekwondo Magazine)
Published: March 24, 2024
Main Content: Highlights Grandmaster Kim Kwangjoo’s mission as a Kukkiwon-dispatched master in Uganda, emphasizing his educational and cultural contributions for German-speaking readers.
📰 Media Outlet: Sunrise Uganda
Published: June 6, 2024
Main Content: The Korean government supports improvements in Uganda’s Taekwondo system, highlighting Grandmaster Kim Kwangjoo’s role. Includes collaboration with Kukkiwon, the Korean Embassy, and the UPDF.
📰 Media Outlet: New Vision
Article Date: October 16, 2024
Main Content: The Korean Embassy introduced Poomsae Taekwondo in Uganda, highlighting Grandmaster Kim Kwangjoo’s key role in demonstrations and training programs.
📰 Media Outlet: Kawowo Sports
📅 Date: June 3, 2024
📝 Summary:Ambassador Park Sung-soo expressed hope that Taekwondo will expand beyond the military to all Ugandans, citing Kimsabu’s military and university teaching as a model example.
📰 Media Outlet: Хисори Шодмон (Hisori Shodmon)
🗓️ Publication Date: May 1–10, 2019
📌 Article Title: Victory of the Taekwondo Practitioners
📍 Summary of Key Points:
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Coverage of the international WT Taekwondo championship held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from May 25 to 28, 2019.
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Participating countries included Tajikistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and others.
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The Hisor City team — including students of Kimsabu — achieved outstanding results in both Poomsae and sparring events.
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Master Gwangju Kim (Kimsabu) was introduced as the Poomsae instructor dispatched from Korea.
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The article concludes with remarks highlighting the development of Poomsae and the importance of Kimsabu’s leadership.
📰 Summary of Hisori Shodmon Article – May 2019 Edition (Issues 1–10)
📌 Title: “Hisor Taekwondo Athletes Achieve Excellent Results at International Competition”
📆 Publication Date: Early May 2019
🗞️ Media Outlet: Хисори Шодмон (Joyful Hisor)
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From May 25–28, 2019, an international WT Taekwondo competition was held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
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Eight countries participated, including South Korea, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan.
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Athletes from Hisor achieved over 10 medals in both Poomsae and sparring categories.
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Medalists came from all age groups: children, youth, and adults.
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Poomsae division was led by Master Gwangju Kim, dispatched from Kukkiwon.
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The article mentions specific names of second-place winners in Poomsae (e.g., Akbor, Shakhoja, etc.).
📆 Date of Publication: May 31, 2024 (Friday)
🗞️ Media Outlet: Daily Monitor (Uganda's leading daily newspaper)
📍 Summary of Key Points:
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From August 2023 to July 2024, a Taekwondo leadership training program for UPDF officers has been taking place at Makerere University, based on an MOU between the Korean Embassy and Uganda’s Ministry of Defence.
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Fifteen UPDF soldiers are currently enrolled, and the entire program is led directly by Master Gwangju Kim.
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The article features photos of trainees practicing Poomsae under Master Kim’s instruction, along with participant testimonials and reflections on the positive impact of Taekwondo.
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Participants report gaining not only technical skills, but also character development, self-discipline, responsibility, and leadership. They note that Taekwondo is creating a positive shift in the military’s training culture.
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The article emphasizes that Taekwondo is becoming a vital component of morale and structured training within the Ugandan military.
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Master Kim is described as “an internationally recognized Taekwondo instructor with both expertise and passion.”
📰 "WE WILL STAND OUT"
Uganda National Taekwondo Team Set to Rise with Master Kwangjoo Kim
📅 Date of Coverage: 2024
📌 Key Summary: Master Gwangju Kim, dispatched from Korea, has initiated intensive training to lead Uganda’s national Taekwondo team into medal contention at the upcoming African championships.
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Training takes place at the CSCA gym in Kisugu.
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This is not mere technical coaching—it is a systematic program rooted in Korean Taekwondo's structure, culture, and philosophy.
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Simultaneous training is ongoing at Makerere University, and Master Kim’s previous experience leading the Tajikistan national team is also highlighted.
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The current team includes 16 athletes (13 men and 3 women), along with 4 local coaches.
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Korean Embassy officials, First Secretary Seunghee Lee and Counselor Subin Park, attended the launch of the training.
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The Uganda Taekwondo Federation (UTF) and the National Council of Sports (NCS) expressed optimism for increased sponsorship and international recognition through Master Kim’s leadership.
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Team captain Marvin Barayura (UTF athlete) declared with determination: “We are going to win medals at this tournament.”
📰 Media Outlet: Daily Monitor (Uganda’s Leading Daily)
🗞️ Article Title: UPDF–Korea Trainees Committed to Spreading Taekwondo in the Military
📅 Date of Coverage: August 14, 2024
✅ Training Program Summary
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Period: August 1, 2023 – August 14, 2024 (1 year total)
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Participants: 13 members of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
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12 certified Black Belts (Kukkiwon)
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1 Blue Belt
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Training Site: Makerere University
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Lead Instructor: Master Gwangju Kim
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Objective: To train Taekwondo instructors for UPDF-wide expansion
✅ Master Kim’s Leadership
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Trainees described Master Kim as “always smiling, never giving up on anyone—a father figure.”
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Despite cultural, linguistic, and instructional differences, students were deeply moved by his heartfelt guidance.
✅ Post-Training Deployment & Impact
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Graduates are now ready to be deployed across UPDF units to establish their own Taekwondo clubs.
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“Now it’s our turn to teach,” said one trainee, showing strong motivation.
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On July 18, 2024, trainees demonstrated Poomsae at a tournament hosted by the Korean Embassy.
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Master Kim was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Military Police Training School.
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The program also contributed significantly to cultural exchange, military morale, and physical fitness enhancement.
📰 Media Outlet: New Vision
📅 Date of Coverage: October 16, 2024
📌 Summary: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda introduced Poomsae Taekwondo to the country, highlighting Master Gwangju Kim’s central role in leading this initiative. The event featured various demonstrations and educational programs showcasing the essence of Taekwondo.