By Lee Jihae

Kim Jae-youl, president of the International Skating Union (ISU) and director of Samsung Economic Research Institute, has joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Oct. 17 said Kim was elected at the 141st IOC session in Mumbai, India, given his qualification of being the head of a global sports federation.

His resume includes president of the Korea Skating Union, executive vice president of the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and member of both the IOC Coordination Commission for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and ISU Council. In June last year, he become the first non-European head of the ISU in its 130-year history.

The latest election of eight members brought the IOC's total to 107. Kim is also the 12th Korean to join the body.

Kim joins fellow Korean members on the IOC Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Lee Kee Heung and 2004 table tennis Olympic gold medalist Ryu Seung-min. This is the first time in 18 years for three Koreans to be on the IOC since former World Taekwondo Federation President Kim Un-yong, Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee and former Doosan Group Chairman Park Yong-sung from 2002-05.

"This is the first time since the early 2000s for three Koreans to simultaneously be active IOC members," Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon said in congratulating Kim. "We expect remarkable achievements from our IOC members that lead the development of sports both in Korea and the world."

President Yoon Suk Yeol on the same day also sent a congratulatory message on Kim's election to the IOC through Facebook.

"Along with the people, I sincerely congratulate your election as an IOC member," he said. "I hope that you play a big role not only in the development of sports in Korea but also making a better world through sports."

jihlee08@korea.kr