This study examines the reconstruction(founding) and activities of sports organizations that played a major role in the process of rebuilding sports in the post-liberation period (1945-1948) after the stagnation period in which the spontaneous develop ...
This study examines the reconstruction(founding) and activities of sports organizations that played a major role in the process of rebuilding sports in the post-liberation period (1945-1948) after the stagnation period in which the spontaneous development of sports was suppressed during the Japanese colonial period in the history of 100 years of Korean sports. The purpose is to look at and find out what these sports organizations mean to the history of Korean sports.
To this end, this study reconstruction(founding) seven sports organizations that participated in the 1948 London Olympics, including track and field, weightlifting, soccer, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and cycling, using historical materials such as newspapers, letters, and autobiographies at the time. Based on reviewing the participation of international sports organizations and competition companies at each event, the following conclusions were drawn.
First, the Joseon Athletic Association, which was reconstructed in November 1945, was established during the Japanese colonial era, and after the Sino-Japanese War in 1937, activities were suspended due to Japanese oppression. Starting with the federation (September 23, President Kim Seung-sik), the Joseon Amateur Boxing Federation (October 23, President Ahn Dong-won), the Joseon Football Association (December 3, President Ha Gyeong-deok), and the Chosun Basketball Association (December 19, President Lee Myo-mook), it was rebuilt as the Joseon Weightlifting Federation (December 26, President Lee Byeong-hak). For the other two events, the Joseon Amateur Wrestling Association (March 14, Chairman Kim Dong-in) and the Joseon Bicycle Federation (March, Chairman Min Wan-sik) were established in 1946 to reorganize the organization and take the lead in rebuilding Korean sports by event.
Second, as a requirement for participating in the London Olympic Games, which was the aspiration of the Korean people, organizations in official Olympic events had to be affiliated with the International Federation of Games. Accordingly, in February 1947, an application was submitted by translating the articles of incorporation of four sports organizations, the International Amateur Wrestling Federation, the International Football Federation, the International Amateur Basketball Federation, the International Gymnastics Federation, and the International Amateur Athletics Federation, as well as the articles of association of domestic amateurs. However, prior to the IOC General Assembly (June 15, 1946), such as the International Amateur Basketball Federation (to be determined during the 1948 London Olympic Games), the International Football Federation (thanks to the application for membership), and the International Association of Athletics Federations (to be reviewed at the London General Assembly in June). It was difficult to join the International Sports Federation. Fortunately, it was decided to join the International Sports Federation before the IOC general meeting in three events: the Joseon Amateur Wrestling Association (April 11, 1947), the Joseon Association of Athletics Federations (June 9, 1947), and the Joseon Football Association (June 12, 1947). This made it possible to meet the requirements for participation in the Olympic Games. Korea's national aspirations for the London Olympic Games and efforts from all walks of life enabled the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) to participate in the London Olympic Games after receiving the IOC's approval.
Additionally, sports organizations in the liberation space conducted competitions for each event. Competition hosted/sponsored by the Joseon Athletics Federation (24 times), competition hosted/sponsored by the Joseon Weightlifting Federation (11 times), competition hosted/sponsored by the Joseon Amateur Wrestling Association (5 times), competition hosted/sponsored by the Joseon Bicycle Federation (18th) Hosted/sponsored by the Joseon Basketball Association (20th) held various competitions such as the Chosun Football Association hosted/sponsored (17th), Chosun Weightlifting Federation hosted/sponsored (11th), etc. Through this, it laid the foundation for each event and contributed to discovering and nurturing elite athletes. In addition, the development of each event was prepared through participation in international competitions (marathon, soccer, weightlifting), classes for each event, training camps, and publication of publications.
As such, the 7 sports organizations in the liberation movement, including track and field, weightlifting, soccer, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and cycling, reorganized their organizations and held competitions by event, including championships, arousing a boom in domestic sports. In addition, it is considered meaningful that Korean sports laid the foundation for rapid development on the international sports stage through participation in the London Olympic Games.