Three siblings in Jeong family attend West Point

MADISON – In 2012, the Jeong family emigrated from Korea to Madison after deciding to live in the United States. Embracing an American lifestyle, they founded a business and supported three of their children to enroll in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Sangok Jeong and wife Aekyung Lee own Jeong’s Yong-In Taekwondo in Madison.

Their children are their son Jewoong Jeong, 26 years old and 5th-degree black belt; and daughters Yerim Jeong, 24, 5th-degree black belt; Yudam Jeong, 22, 5th-degree black belt; and Yewon Jeong, 20, 4th-degree black belt.

Jewoong recently graduated from West Point. Yerim and Yudam are currently enrolled there.

“The military is the ultimate place for leadership. For this reason, I’ve always hoped my children would be surrounded by military role models and challenged to learn and grow,” Sangok Jeong said.

During Sangok Jeong’s annual visits across the United States in his 20s and 30s for his taekwondo career, he heard about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “I learned that West Point challenges its cadets to become leaders of character and is home to passionate, dedicated and high-achieving young adults,” Sangok Jeong said.

“The academy has a deep tradition and offers invaluable life lessons. With this hope, we focused on training my children in taekwondo as world-class athletes, which helped build their careers, achievements and character,” Sangok Jeong said. “Thankfully, my children developed a dream to become better leaders and wanted to challenge themselves indefinitely.”

“They didn’t hesitate to pursue any opportunities that would support their pathway to West Point. Additionally, we’re fortunate to live near a military base, where we have met many retired and active-duty service members through our taekwondo school, receiving invaluable support and advice from them,” Sangok Jeong said.

For Jewoong, West Point held challenges — physically, mentally and emotionally. “However, you learn how to adapt and overcome, which strengthens your mental and physical toughness . . . more importantly, your character by choosing the harder ‘right’ over easier ‘wrong.’” “Friends and mentors were pivotal parts of my West Point journey. We supported each other through hardships. You make lifelong friendships and memories,” Jewoong said. Jewoong participated in the Army Martial Arts team that travelled and competed with other colleges across the nation and studied abroad in Spain, gaining unforgettable memories and lifelong, international brothers and sisters. “West Point, overall, has its ups and downs, but I’ll never regret going there,” Jewoong said.

Yudam is grateful for experiences, people and education that she has gained at West Point. “These are experiences I could have only encountered here. Those experiences have challenged me and helped me grow physically, mentally and academically. I’m truly thankful for friends, teammates, faculty and mentors who had a huge impact throughout my time at West Point,” Yudam said.

“Additionally, my time here refined my understanding of what it means to serve this nation with purpose as an Army officer,” Yudam said, “and has developed in me a deep appreciation for those who served before me. I will continue to challenge myself and seek opportunities to grow.” Yudam’s enjoyment has increased each year as she finds ways to carve out time for herself . . . even the simple pleasure of exploring restaurant options.

Yewon’s first impression of West Point involved super strict constraints of a typical military school. However, as a cadet in the crops, she has realized “it’s not just about strict and ‘weird’ rules but the meaning behind them.”

“As a plebe (freshman), I can’t talk outside. I first thought it was crazy because I love talking with my friends everywhere I am. But it’s about building discipline from the little things to prepare us for bigger responsibilities as future officers,” Yewon said.

“Even though I’ve just started my journey at West Point, I’ve met so many people who I wouldn’t trade for anything. Sharing the same goal of serving our country and becoming a leader is incredible and an honor,” Yewon said.

Saying every second is enjoyable would be a lie, Yewon said. “Each day presents new challenges, but I know they’re making me stronger and tougher in every way, and I’m grateful for that. I also joined the taekwondo team like my siblings, and doing something I’m passionate about helps me get through the tough days.”

Recently, Jewoong Jeong graduated from West Point and currently works as a transportation officer. He will serve in South Korea in 2025.

At Jeong’s Yong-In Taekwondo, classes aren’t only about learning how to punch, kick, self-defense and overall physical activity. “We try our best to teach how to cooperate with others, respect and honor others, and persevere through hardships, which we believe are the most important component in our lives,” Sangok Jeong said.

“As the students’ level goes up, we provide them opportunities to build leadership and responsibilities, sharing their knowledge and skill, by helping the beginners. Overall, taekwondo builds students’ character and discipline through excellence in martial arts,” Sangok Jeong said.

The address for Jeong’s Yong-In Taekwondo is 7985 U.S. 72, Madison AL 35758. For more information, email madisonjyt@ gmail.com or visit tkdmadison. com, Facebook/Jeong’s Yong-in Taekwondo or Instagram @jeongstkd.