Seoul: Olympic table tennis champion and former International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Ryu Seung-min, has officially announced his candidacy to become the next head of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC). At a press conference in Seoul, Ryu, 42, confirmed his entry into the presidential race scheduled for January 14, 2025.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the current KSOC president, Lee Kee-heung, has yet to announce his candidacy for a third term, although he is expected to do so soon. Other candidates in the race include Kang Tae-sun, head of the Seoul Sports Council; Ahn Sang-soo, former mayor of Incheon; and Park Chang-beom, former head of the Korea Wushu Association.
Ryu, who served on the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission from 2016 to 2024 and as its vice chair from 2021, was also the president of the Korea Table Tennis Association from 2019 to 2024. He enters the race amid growing scrutiny of Lee, who has been suspended by the sports ministry over allegations of misconduct, including illici
t hiring practices and fund misappropriation.
Ryu outlined his plans to enhance the financial autonomy of the KSOC, safeguard the independence of regional sports associations and national governing bodies, and improve systems to support athletes and coaches. Additionally, he aims to revitalize sports programs in schools. “The KSOC stands at a crossroads. It has to change or will be changed,” Ryu stated, emphasizing proactive leadership and the independence of sports.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Ryu expressed his commitment to creating a promising future for sportspeople. He highlighted his readiness to face challenges and the necessity for a former athlete with administrative expertise to lead the KSOC.
As the election race develops, with a potential contest primarily between Lee and other candidates, Ryu has remained focused on his campaign, expressing openness to fair discussions about a unified, anti-Lee candidacy but asserting his own vision and philosophy.
Despite his youth, Ryu believes it
will be an advantage if elected, citing his energy and stamina as assets in adapting to the fast-changing sports landscape. He emphasized his genuine intentions in approaching voters, recalling his sincere campaign during his IOC membership bid.
Ryu stressed that his approach to the election is driven by sincerity, aiming to communicate his earnest intentions to sportspeople, which he believes could significantly influence the election outcome.