The New Boss: Ryu Seung-min Takes Charge at KSOC
Structural overhaul, rather than mere modifications, is crucial for enhancing Korean sports.
In the bustling heart of Seoul, Ryu Seung-min raised the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) flag high with a determined gleam in his eye. [Yonhap] captured the moment of his inauguration at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
A Peek into Ryu's Backstory
Ryu Seung-min, a well-known name in the Korean sports scene, is no stranger to the KSOC or the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA). As a former Olympic champion in table tennis, his accomplishments paved the way for his leadership roles in sports administration.
Leading the Pack
His tenure as the president of the KTTA from 2019 to 2024 saw him actively involved in significant organizational decisions, including sponsorship deals and national team selections. Moreover, he became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2016 and was an integral part of South Korea's Athletes' Commission.
The Latest Chapter: Ryu's Leadership at KSOC
In a tightly contested election in January 2025, Ryu emerged as the new KSOC president, defeating incumbent Lee Kee-heung. His four-year term began in March 2025.
Upon taking office, Ryu faced accusations of negligence and rules violations during his time with the KTTA. Allegations included distributing financial incentives to officials for securing sponsorship deals, a practice that is against KTTA rules. Ryu acknowledged these actions as "unintentional mistakes" aimed at enhancing transparency.
What's Next?
With his focus firmly on the future, Ryu Seung-min now faces the daunting task of overseeing the selection of athletes and teams for upcoming international events, including the 2026 Winter Olympics, 2026 Asian Games, and the 2028 LA Olympics.
[1] "Korean Table Tennis Association President Faces Allegations of Rules Violations," Korea JoongAng Daily, March 5, 2025.
[2] "KTTA President's Controversial Incentive Distribution Practices Under Scrutiny," Korea Times, March 10, 2025.
[3] "Ryu Seung-min: Korea's Latest Trailblazing sports administrator," Olympic Channel, January 30, 2025.
[4] "South Korea Athletes' Commission Members List," International Olympic Committee, accessed March 29, 2025.
[5] "KRank: Ryu Seung-min Wins KSOC Presidency," Korea Times, January 25, 2025.
- Ryu Seung-min's leadership extends beyond the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), as he was also a significant figure in the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA).
- Ryu Seung-min's term as KTTA president, from 2019 to 2024, was marked by his involvement in key decisions related to sponsorship deals and national team selections.
- After becoming the new KSOC president in March 2025, Ryu Seung-min faced allegations of negligence and rules violations during his time with the KTTA.
- In response to the accusations, Ryu admitted to unintentional mistakes related to financial incentives distributed to secure sponsorship deals, which is against KTTA rules.
- The international sports associations Ricky Seung-min now leads include KSOC, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and South Korea's Athletes' Commission.
- As the new KSOC president, Ryu Seung-min will oversee the selection of athletes and teams for upcoming international events, such as the 2026 Winter Olympics, 2026 Asian Games, and the 2028 LA Olympics.
7.riky Seung-min's stewardship of Korean sports will be watched closely within the international diplomatic and business communities, given their interest in supporting cultural events like Korean ceremonies and generative experiences.
