【Global Newspaper Feature ③】

Despite Strong Local Support for His Taekwondo School in the U.S., Master Youngwan Yun Reflects on the Emotional Challenges Caused by Unfounded Criticism from Fellow Koreans

Master Youngwan Yun’s Taekwondo school in the United States has received overwhelmingly positive responses from the local community. However, he has also experienced deep emotional struggles due to minor criticisms and negative attitudes from fellow Koreans. Now, it is time to hear his honest thoughts.

“Rumors fade, but learning continues.”
Master Yun speaks about growth, reaction, and the true essence of Taekwondo.

(Provided by Master Yun)

Q: Master Yun, it’s been a while. How have you been?

A: Just like when I was in Korea, I still go to work early and leave late.

People around me say I might be pushing myself too hard, but honestly, it feels like I spend less time working than I did in Korea. Even so, I often feel a sense of anxiety. Perhaps it’s because I know this work is entirely built on the trust of children and their parents.

Q: We’re curious about your school’s progress. What is the atmosphere like?

A: I don’t think I’ve done anything particularly special in terms of marketing. Within about three months of opening, a significant number of students joined.

Most of them came through trial classes included in our flyers, and after experiencing the classes, word of mouth from parents led to continued enrollment. In the end, I believe the class itself is the most honest form of marketing.

(Provided by Master Yun)

Q: What do you think made such rapid growth possible?

A: Even in Korea, HYO Taekwondo was always an open school. Anyone could observe classes at any time.

Because of that, whether there was one student or fifty, I had no choice but to give my best. Classes must be structured, enjoyable, and tailored to each student’s level. Education happens inside the classroom, but cooperation with parents is essential for a child’s future.

I pour all my energy into teaching. As a result, parents often say, “After just one class, how could we not continue?”

I don’t think this is a special secret. I believe it is simply the natural result of sincerity being conveyed through the class itself.

Q: On the other hand, there are also rumors and negative stories about you.

A: I am aware that there are things being said that are not true.

I think it may be an expression of competitiveness, or perhaps a kind of sense of privilege held by those who settled in the U.S. earlier.

I have tried hard to understand their perspective. From the viewpoint of those who struggled for a long time with residency issues, it might seem like I came from Korea and settled relatively smoothly. In that situation, it’s natural for emotions or misunderstandings to arise.

Right now, I am focused solely on running my school and teaching children, but it is true that inaccurate stories have reached me through parts of the Korean Taekwondo community and the local Korean community. However, I expected situations like this, so it is not entirely unfamiliar to me.

(Provided by Master Yun)

Q: Some people say your way of handling this situation is impressive.

A: Editor, you know me quite well. You know my style, how much I have fought, debated, and struggled within organizations, and the journey we have been through together. (laughs)

Beyond my experience as an instructor, I have served as an executive in various organizations and have encountered countless political conflicts and internal disputes. Because of that, I know how to respond and handle situations like this.

Avoiding conflict does not mean I am afraid of it. Right now, I believe it is more important to give those individuals time to reflect on themselves.

Q: Given your personality and experience, how are you actually responding?

A: I did not want things to unfold this way.

However, there are moments when situations clearly cross the line. In those cases, I prepare legal and institutional actions calmly, without being swayed by emotions. I believe it is better to resolve issues through facts and procedures rather than words.

Q: It must be emotionally difficult at times.

A: From the beginning, I came here thinking only of my family.

Whether I am doing well or not, I want to leave that judgment to the market. My role is simply to continue doing my work sincerely, just as I have been.

There are many martial arts schools in this area, and some places carry the name of Taekwondo but cannot truly be called authentic Taekwondo schools. This environment could be a great opportunity to grow together through healthy competition, which makes it even more unfortunate when competition takes on a different form.

(Provided by Master Yun)

Q: If you could say something to those people, what would it be?

A: I do not believe Taekwondo is a martial art that succeeds by putting others down.

Anyone who stands in front of children should reflect more deeply on the weight of that responsibility.

Q: Lastly, what are your future plans and resolutions?

A: I hope that here, people will truly recognize the excellence of Taekwondo, its educational value, and that it is the greatest educational martial art.

I want to be an instructor who contributes in a way that honors the path built by those before me, while earning even greater respect.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for the parents reading this article?

A: When I work with children, I always try to treat each one as an individual.

I look at the child’s heart before their technique. Rather than forcing speed, I wait. And even the smallest changes, I celebrate sincerely with them.

I believe genuine care and warmth toward a child cannot be hidden. If you trust the process and watch with patience, children will always grow.

I sincerely thank you for trusting us with your children.

I will dedicate this second chapter of my life entirely to the children of HYO Martial Arts.

Afterword

After the interview, one can feel a unique energy surrounding Master Youngwan Yun. It is the energy of a winner.

In a 100-meter race, the difference between first and second place is only 0.2 seconds. Likewise, the difference between an outstanding instructor and an average one is not a difference in kind, but in degree. At first glance, it may be hard to distinguish, but in moments of success, failure, and crisis, that small difference creates a gap as significant as the finish line of a final race.

There is a saying:
“Winners never quit. Those who never quit will ultimately win.”

Source: Global Newspaper
https://www.globalnewspaper.co.kr/