Seoul, South Korea – Badminton player Kim Won Ho has been awarded the prestigious Korea Sports Council (KSC) Sports Award, the nation’s highest honor for athletic achievement. The announcement came during a ceremony held Friday afternoon at the Taereung Athlete’s Village Champion’s House, recognizing Kim’s remarkable 2025 season.
Kim Won Ho’s exceptional performance, highlighted by a victory at the 2025 Paris World Badminton Championships in men’s doubles and a record-breaking 11 BWF World Tour titles in a single season, earned him the coveted “Athlete of the Year” distinction. The award includes a commemorative plaque and a gold medal weighing five *don* (approximately 187.5 grams of 24K gold).
The KSC Sports Award, now in its 72nd year, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of sport in South Korea. This year’s ceremony honored 93 individuals and five organizations across eight categories: competition, coaching, officiating, amateur sport, school sport, meritorious service, research, and sporting values.
Beyond Kim’s headline achievement, several other athletes and contributors were recognized for their dedication and success. In the competition category, marksman Ban Hyo-jin and cyclist Choi Tae-ho received top honors. Coaching awards went to weightlifting’s Lee Se-won and judo’s Jeong Seong-suk. Kim Eun-hee was recognized for her officiating in judo, while Cha Du-yeon (rollersports) and Oh Jong-hwan (elementary school physical education) were honored in the amateur and school sport categories, respectively. Kim Gwang-tae and Lee Chung-hwan received awards for their meritorious service to modern pentathlon and sepak takraw, while Professor Kim Seok-gyu (Dongguk University) was recognized for his research, and Park Kang-gyu (Seoul Curling Federation) for his contributions to sporting values.
The ceremony also acknowledged achievements in winter sports, incorporating the presentation of awards from the 107th National Winter Sports Festival held in Gangwon Province from February 25-28. Gyeonggi Province took the overall title, followed by Seoul and Gangwon. Kim So-hee (ski alpine) was named the festival’s outstanding athlete.
The KSC also presented special commendations to individuals who have made significant societal contributions through sport. Singer and philanthropist Sean, known for his marathon-fueled charitable work, was honored for promoting a culture of giving. Actor Ma Dong-seok received recognition for revitalizing K-Boxing and popularizing the sport, while boxing coach Park Si-heon was commended for his act of sportsmanship in returning a gold medal won at the 1988 Seoul Olympics to Roy Jones Jr., elevating the integrity of Korean sport.
“I sincerely thank all the athletes who have diligently fulfilled their roles in making Korean sport shine,” said KSC President Yoo Seung-min. “We will continue to develop the KSC Sports Award into an award that represents the greatest pride and honor for our athletes.”
Established in 1955, the KSC Sports Award has served as a cornerstone for motivating athletes and fostering a healthy sporting culture in South Korea. The organization remains committed to promoting the development of sport and upholding its values nationwide.
Kim Won Ho’s success represents a high point for South Korean badminton, a sport with a strong tradition in the country. His 11 World Tour titles in 2025 demonstrate a level of consistency and dominance rarely seen in the sport. For those following the BWF World Tour, this achievement places Kim firmly among the elite players in the world.
The award ceremony underscored the breadth of athletic talent and dedication within South Korea, recognizing contributions not only on the field of play but also in coaching, officiating, and community service. The KSC’s commitment to honoring these diverse roles highlights the importance of a holistic approach to sports development.
Looking ahead, Kim Won Ho and his doubles partner are expected to continue their pursuit of excellence on the international stage. The badminton calendar is packed with upcoming tournaments, and fans will be eager to see if they can replicate their 2025 success. The next major event for the pair is expected to be announced by the BWF in the coming weeks.
You can find more information about the Korea Sports Council and its awards programs on their official website. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of badminton and other sports from around the globe.
