Five minutes with Referee & Judge: Jongjin Kim…

Can you tell us a little about your journey into boxing? How did you become a referee and judge?

I started boxing in my first year of middle school because my health was quite weak at the time. Boxing really helped me become stronger, both physically and mentally. Later on, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Kang Seok-gu, who was serving as a Supervisor at the confederation. Watching how he worked so professionally and seeing his achievements naturally drew my attention to officiating. With his guidance, I began to realize that serving as an R&J is not just about enforcing rules, but also about ensuring fairness and supporting the growth of the sport. His mentorship and encouragement had a big influence on me, and that’s what inspired me to become an R&J.

What inspired you to stay in officiating?
What inspires me most is witnessing the athletes’ skill and fighting spirit, along with the excitement in the ring. That energy gives me a real sense of purpose and keeps me motivated to stay dedicated to officiating.

How long have you been officiating at regional & international competitions?
I began my officiating career in 2001 in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea and advanced to the national level in 2004. In 2011, I earned my International R&J certification, and since then I have consistently served at major international tournaments, including the Asian Games, the World Championships, and the Olympic Games.

Since 2019, I have also been serving as a Permanent R&J at the Boxing Association of Korea. This role makes me an officially appointed full-time R&J, responsible for regularly officiating at national tournaments and helping to ensure fairness and integrity across Korean boxing.

Congratulations on winning Best Judge at the Asian Boxing U19 &U22 Boxing Championships. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

I am truly honored to receive this award. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reminder of the important responsibility I carry as a R&J. It motivates me to continue striving for fairness and professionalism in every bout I officiate. At the same time, it reflects the trust and confidence that athletes, coaches, and the boxing community place in me, something I deeply value. This award also inspires me to keep learning, refine my judgment, and set an example for younger R&Js who aspire to grow in this field. Above all, it strengthens my commitment to contributing to the development of boxing with integrity and dedication.

Can you share a memorable moment from this Championship in Bangkok that stood out for you?

I was truly impressed by the skills of the athletes from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Thailand. It was clear to me that the boxers who can win at the Asian level also have the potential to succeed on the world stage. That made me feel very optimistic about the future of Asian boxing.

What were some of the challenges you face when judging bouts in large tournaments?

Officiating at the highest level presents many challenges, ranging from overcoming language barriers to maintaining absolute focus when two athletes are evenly matched. In those moments, I rely on clear communication and strict concentration to ensure that every decision I make is fair and accurate. My ultimate responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of the sport. I take great pride in knowing that my judgments lead to results the athletes, coaches, and the boxing community can truly trust and respect.

Many fans don’t always understand the complexity of judging. In your words, what makes a “good” boxing judge?

A good judge is not just someone who records scores, but a professional with both expertise and a deep understanding of the rules. Beyond technical knowledge, a judge must be able to read the rhythm of the bout, recognize the effectiveness of punches, and understand the athletes’ strategies. Equally important are focus and composure, which allow a judge to make accurate decisions under pressure. Above all, fairness and consistency are the defining virtues of a good judge, as they ensure that every athlete competes on a fair and trustworthy stage.

How do you prepare yourself mentally before each session to ensure fairness and consistency?

Before each session, I make it a priority to go over the rulebook and remind myself that all athletes are equal and are deserving of impartial judgment. This mental reset helps me enter the ring with a clear and focused mindset. I also review and practice the signals to ensure accuracy, consistency, and confidence in my decisions. Ultimately, this preparation reinforces my responsibility to uphold fairness and maintain the integrity of every contest I officiate.

What role does the new evaluation system (referee & judge assessment) play in helping you improve?

The new evaluation system plays a vital role in enhancing both my confidence and my sense of responsibility as an R&J. Since each decision is analyzed objectively and followed by constructive feedback, I can clearly identify areas for improvement and refine my performance. Knowing that my judgments are independently verified helps me stay sharply focused and reinforces my commitment to fairness and consistency. I believe that this system is not just a form of accountability, but also a valuable opportunity for continuous growth and development as an R&J.

What message would you like young boxers and fans to understand about referees and judges?

Having experienced boxing both as an athlete and as a coach, I deeply understand the pain that comes from biased decisions. That is why I dedicate myself to ensuring that athletes never have to endure the same. R&Js are not against athletes or fans; rather, we are the ones working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every boxer can compete in a safe and fair environment. I hope young boxers and fans recognize this responsibility and trust our commitment to integrity, fairness, and the true spirit of boxing.

How do you handle the pressure, especially knowing that every score you give could impact a boxer’s future?

I never lose sight of the principle that every decision must be fair and accurate. When I am confident in the integrity of my judgments, I can withstand even the greatest pressure. I constantly remind myself that my role is to serve the athletes by ensuring impartiality. With this conviction, I stay composed, make steady decisions, and turn pressure into a source of strength and focus.

Do you see changes in how officials are trained and evaluated in Asia compared to when you first started?

Yes, I believe there have been significant changes in the way officials are trained and evaluated in Asia. Since the Rio Olympics, Olympic-style boxing has faced a major crisis, which created the need for reform. In response, the boxing community has worked hard to restore trust and raise standards. For example, at the recent Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Boxing Championships, the R&J evaluator system was introduced for the first time, giving R&Js objective assessments and constructive feedback. This shows how systematic education and structured evaluation are becoming part of the culture, helping officials build more balanced and consistent skills. I believe that through these ongoing efforts, the standard of Asian officiating will continue to rise and remain credible on the global stage.

What advice would you give to aspiring referees and judges who want to reach the international stage?

The most important advice I can give is to thoroughly study the rules and keep developing your expertise. A strong command of language is also essential, because on the international stage, effective communication often opens doors. In addition, aspiring R&Js should value every bout they officiate, even at smaller competitions, and approach each one with full dedication. Through this process, they can build consistency, confidence, and professionalism.

“In the end, it’s the habit of giving your very best in every assignment that lays the foundation for growth as an international official.” – Jongjin Kim