ANOC mourns loss of former DPRK National Olympic Committee Vice President Professor Ung Chang

ANOC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Ung Chang, IOC Honorary Member and a dedicated member of the NOC family, who has died at the age of 87.

Professor Chang gave decades of distinguished service to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) NOC, serving first as Assistant Secretary General, before 13 years as Secretary General from 1985-1998 and a further four years as Vice-President until 2002. He was an IOC member from 1996-2018 and served as Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia.

His commitment to dialogue and cooperation through sport was best illustrated by his role as the DPRK NOC’s representative in talks with the IOC and the Republic of Korea NOC that led to the historic joint march of the two delegations at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, and at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Professor Chang had a distinguished sports career as a basketball player and captained the national basketball team from 1956 to 1967. Following his time as an athlete he went into coaching and education, serving as a basketball coach and lecturer.

ANOC extends its deepest condolences to Professor Chang’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.