IOC Honors Lifelong Olympian Ung Chang Following His Passing at 87 – Renowned for bridging sport and diplomacy, Chang’s legacy includes promoting cooperation on the Korean peninsula and advancing Olympic values worldwide.
LAUSANNE | IOC Press Release
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed profound sadness at the death of Professor Ung Chang on 29 March 2026, at the age of 87.
Professor Chang devoted his life to sport and the Olympic Movement, spanning roles as an athlete, coach, administrator, and international sports diplomat. His efforts earned numerous distinctions, including the Olympic Order at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India, in 2023.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry paid tribute: “Ung Chang devoted his whole life to the development of sport in the DPRK and fostering dialogue within the Olympic Movement. His work demonstrated the power of sport to build bridges and inspire hope.”
Chang captained the DPRK national basketball team from 1956 to 1967 before moving into coaching and administration. He served as Assistant Secretary General, Secretary General, and later Vice-President of the DPRK National Olympic Committee and contributed to regional and international sport, including as Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia.
A committed advocate for sport as a unifying force, Chang played a key role in historic agreements and joint Olympic marches between the DPRK and ROK delegations at Sydney 2000 and PyeongChang 2018. He also facilitated reconciliation between the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
As an IOC Member since 1996, Chang served on multiple commissions promoting sport participation, cultural exchange, and Olympic values worldwide. His legacy endures in the advancement of sport, cooperation, and the Olympic ideals.
In his honor, the Olympic flag will fly at half-mast for three days at Olympic House.