State of the Kukkiwon?

[Bugeisha]

I'm just wondering if anyone here can enlighten me as to the current state or reputation of the kukkiwon. I'm considering getting certified, but I've heard that they're not always above the board, so to speak. I just want to know if the kukkiwon is a reputable organization or not. Obviously, they're well-known and what have you, but I'm more interested in their morality than their power. If you know anything, I'd be grateful!
Thanks!

[DoKwang]

From the little I remember about the Kukkiwon its reputation is falling because of poor governance. With the WTF trying to consolidate TKD and only recognising kukki-taekwondo there are gaps in what constitutes qualification and were you can actually get it from. The rumours of false certificates given by some masters may or may not be true but it is harming it's reputation.

As far as being reputable, the kukkiwon building is the WTH and decides its own requirments seperate to the WTF as of the late 1980's.

All I would recommend is that you contact the WTF and find out who in your area is allowed to give the certificate. Just to be safe.

Any additions to my scattered info will be appreciated

dene C

[Bugeisha]

I've researched the lineage that I would be getting certified through, so I'm not worried about that: everything's legit there. I'm just trying to make sure that the kukkiwon is an organization that I want to be associated with.
Thanks for the advice!

[DoKwang]

I cam across an article earlier about the need for kukkiwon certification in competition, but this is what they said on their current feelings towards it. May be of some interest to you...

..."Keeping things in perspective, a Kukkiwon is probably the most respected black belt certification in the world. You can't buy it (at least most of us can't) and they don't give it away (at least not to most of us). Yet it can be argued that starting with the elders and followed by the youngins, it no longer guarantees the skill level of the holder - just that they put their time training"... - Ernie Lopez

[sidekick]

The Kukkiwon is nothing more than a clearing house for Dan registration. They have established minimum standards for ranking that all styles can adhear to, in order to have structure. Most schools go above these minimums. The Kukkiwon only recognizes dan rankings that are submitted from certified Instructors (4th and above). So everything depends on the Instructor your dealing with. One can check the Instructors credentials, by submitting the certification control number found on the certificate. Only one number is issued to an individual, so that same number will be on every certificate of rank that the person has been issued. The Kukkiwon has it's own web site, so you can access information and contact them. Be advised, it will take a little time to get a response. Has there been bogus certificates issued? I have heard that there were, but it was not issued from the Kukkiwon. It was issued by dishonest Instructors to people who didn't know any better. That was some years ago. Since the internet, people have become educated and also have access to investigate. Dosen't mean it can't or won't happen again, but that's up to the person seeking to be certified to make sure they don't get taken. The Hapkido people have shown us that.

Hope this was of some help.

Mike Dunn