25/08/2026
Whilst in Mongolia attending the 11th ITF Asian Taekwon-Do Championships, Ben Evans had the opportunity to be interviewed by DPR KOREA Taekwon-Do Media and appear in their television coverage.
Mr. Ahn from the DPR KOREA Taekwon-Do Team asked Ben a number of questions about his thoughts on Taekwon-Do and DPR KOREA.
Ben spoke very positively about the standard of Taekwon-Do he has witnessed from DPR KOREA, stating that he believes there is no other nation that demonstrates the same level of strength, consistency and high calibre standards year after year.
He also spoke about his hopes for the future of NEW ZEALAND ITF, particularly for the younger generations coming through. His goal is to continue developing our athletes, instructors and future leaders so that, in the distant future, our young New Zealand athletes can develop towards that same level of strength, technical ability and consistency.
Mr. Ahn was extremely kind and positive towards Ben's hopes and vision for the future of NEW ZEALAND ITF, offering encouragement and support for the future plans Ben intends to pursue.
It was a memorable experience to be recognised and interviewed by DPR KOREA Taekwon-Do Media during the Championships, and an opportunity to share a vision for the continued development and future of Taekwon-Do in New Zealand.
There was also a strong sense of Taekwon-Do brotherhood and connection between Ben Evans and Mr. Ahn.
During their conversation, Mr. Ahn revealed that he remembered Ben from 2011, when Ben visited DPR KOREA with his special needs student, Johann Landkroon, who made history by performing what was described as the worldβs first Inclusive Taekwon-Do demonstration in the motherland of Taekwon-Do at the ITF World Championships.
Remarkably, Mr. Ahn remembered interviewing Ben following that demonstration all those years ago. Ben was genuinely happy and surprised to discover that Mr. Ahn still remembered him and the connection they had formed through Taekwon-Do.
Following the interview, Ben explained that he had three students competing at the Championships, including his daughter Lila. Mr. Ahn then kindly helped organise an opportunity for Lila to meet Ms. Kim Yu Sim, 4th Degree, DPR KOREA Female ITF World Champion.
The meeting was a special moment for Lila. Ms. Kim Yu Sim offered her words of encouragement for the future, telling her to never give up, continue working hard and believe that one day she can achieve success through her dedication and perseverance.
For Ben, seeing this connection between the generations was particularly meaningful. What began with a meeting and interview in DPR KOREA in 2011 had, years later, come full circle in Mongolia, creating another memorable moment through the shared values and brotherhood of Taekwon-Do. They both connected closely with the famous well known song "I am Korean" which the DPR KOREA team sung to provide further support and encouragement to their team during competition.