The Olympic Movement is in mourning following the passing of Ung Chang, an Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Professor Chang, a lifelong advocate for sport and international cooperation, died recently at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the Olympic ideals and a commitment to fostering understanding through athletic competition.
Chang’s career spanned decades, encompassing not only participation and coaching but also sports administration and international sports diplomacy. His contributions were formally recognized with the Olympic Order, one of the highest honors bestowed by the IOC, during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India, in October 2023. The IOC expressed its profound sadness at his passing, acknowledging his tireless efforts to promote sport within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and to build bridges within the global Olympic community.
Born and raised in the DPRK, Ung Chang initially distinguished himself as a basketball player, captaining the national team from 1956 to 1967. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and education, sharing his expertise and passion for the game with future generations. This foundation in sport would serve as the launching pad for a remarkable career within the Olympic system.
Chang’s involvement with the Olympic Movement deepened through his leadership roles within the DPRK’s National Olympic Committee, where he served as Deputy Secretary-General, Secretary-General, and eventually Vice-President. He extended his influence regionally and internationally as Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for many years. His dedication wasn’t simply about promoting sport *in* the DPRK; it was about leveraging sport’s unique power to connect people and cultures.
Perhaps one of Chang’s most significant contributions was his unwavering commitment to dialogue and cooperation between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (KOR). He played a pivotal role in facilitating historic discussions between the National Olympic Committees of both countries, demonstrating a belief in sport’s ability to transcend political boundaries. This commitment culminated in symbolic moments of unity, such as the joint parade of delegations from both Koreas at the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics – powerful displays of shared values and aspirations.
A key example of his diplomatic efforts came in 2014 at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. Chang brokered a landmark agreement between the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo, resolving a long-standing rivalry and paving the way for a unified future for the sport. Prior to this agreement, the two organizations had been locked in competition, but Chang’s intervention fostered a peaceful coexistence in the best interests of taekwondo athletes worldwide.
IOC President Thomas Bach lauded Chang’s influence, stating that he was “always the bridge connecting the Olympic Movement with the Olympic community in the DPRK.” Bach further emphasized Chang’s role as a trusted advisor, noting that he consistently built bridges of friendship and understanding through sport. This trust was particularly valuable during complex negotiations, such as those leading up to the DPRK’s participation in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.
Ung Chang became an IOC Member in 1996 and actively contributed to numerous commissions throughout his tenure, including Sport for All, the International Olympic Truce Foundation, International Relations, Olympic Culture and Education, Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport, Olympic Culture and Heritage, and Sport and Active Society. These roles allowed him to shape Olympic policy and promote the values of sport on a global scale.
The IOC has announced that the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast at the Olympic House for three days in tribute to Professor Chang’s memory. His passing represents a significant loss for the Olympic Movement, but his legacy of dedication, diplomacy, and unwavering belief in the power of sport will continue to inspire future generations.
Professor Ung Chang’s life exemplified the Olympic spirit – a commitment to excellence, friendship, and respect. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the development of sport, international cooperation, and the promotion of Olympic values. His work serves as a reminder that sport can be a powerful force for good, capable of uniting people and fostering hope even in the most challenging circumstances.
The IOC’s tribute underscores the profound impact Chang had on the Olympic landscape, particularly in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. His ability to foster dialogue and build trust was instrumental in opening doors for athletic participation and cultural exchange, demonstrating the enduring power of sport to transcend political divides.
As the Olympic community reflects on his contributions, the focus now shifts to carrying forward his vision of a more inclusive and unified global sporting world. The principles he championed – dialogue, cooperation, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of sport – will undoubtedly continue to guide the Olympic Movement for years to arrive.
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