The Invictus Games Foundation Welcomes Minister Kang Jung-Ai and Delegates from the Republic of Korea to Discuss Greater Collaboration
The Invictus Games Foundation was delighted to recently host Minister of Patriots and Veteran Affairs Kang Jung-ai from the Republic of Korea to discuss the possibility of the East Asian nation potentially hosting the Invictus Games 2029.
This visit by Minister Kang was preceded by a visit from a delegation sent by the Republic of Korea’s government to understand further the initiatives and schemes offered by the Foundation to members of the Invictus Community of Nations.
“It was a pleasure for my team to host the delegation here in London and get to know the different challenges faced by wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans in the Republic of Korea, said Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation.
Today I met with Minister Kang Jung-ai, to build on the conversations begun earlier this month with the visit from the Korean delegation, and explore how we can work together in the future,” he said.
The delegation from the Republic of Korea was composed of six representatives from The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Republic of Korea, Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, and Research Team.
They visited the Invictus Games Foundation offices in London to better understand our offerings Beyond the Games, research and opportunities for recovery for the Korean wounded, injured or sick service community.
The team was headed by Mr Han, Deputy Director General for Healthcare Services at The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
The Korean delegation also discussed the possibility of the Republic of Korea hosting the Invictus Games sometime in the future.
Mr Han, Deputy Director General for Healthcare Services said that hosting the Invictus Games would help “promote harmony and allow us to support rehabilitation of wounded service personnel around the world.”
“If the Republic of Korea were to be successful in any bid to host an Invictus Games, we would significantly increase disability awareness within the Republic of Korea. It would also allow us to showcase our veteran community and their strength when overcoming adversity.
“The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is also keen to showcase international unity amongst the world’s nations and make history as the first Asian host city of the Invictus Games,” Mr Han said
About hosting an Invictus Games
Hosting an Invictus Games enables a host city, and its nation, to show their support for the international wounded injured and sick service community, share best practice, and learn from other nations around the world. Birmingham was recently announced as the host of the Invictus Games in 2027, due to their connection to military rehabilitation medical centres across the region.
An Invictus Games has the capacity to change hearts and minds for those who compete in a Games, those who attend the Games, and those who tune in and watch the broadcast. 89% of Australian viewers of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 felt that PTS is a significant issue for those who serve in the military and believe more should be done to support veterans with mental and physical injuries. 83% stated they had a greater understanding of the challenges faced by veterans returning from service.
Republic of Korea at the Invictus Games
They were the first East Asian nation to join the Invictus Community of Nations and became a Participating Nation at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 fielding 10 competitors.
The Republic of Korea competed for the second time at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 with a team of 11 competitors and featured the country’s first female competitors.
Na Hyeongyoon, a Korean competitor at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 was featured as part of our Netflix series ‘Heart of Invictus’. At the time he said, “Honestly, I don’t think we overcome our disabilities. Instead, we overcome the perceptions of ourselves in our society. That’s what I want to achieve.”