LEE, Kwan-young is a pioneering martial artist, considered to be the "father of taekwondo" in France. Lee was born in 1946 in Seoul. At age 9, Lee began studying taekwondo at Chung Do Kwan under An Kyu Um, Won Kook Lee, and Hae Man Park. Lee received his 1st dan in 1962 at age 16.

Lee served in the South Korean military and in the police force. Lee relocated to France in 1969 and introduced taekwondo to France. Lee is also the originator of the martial art Ho Shin Moo Sool (Hoshin Moosool).