The Governor of Maryland since 2015, Hogan is a keen taekwondo fan and was previously awarded an honorary seventh-dan black belt by Kukkiwon.

Hogan made the announcement via a video message alongside his wife Yumi, a Korean-American artist.

Hogan used the video message to praise the continued effort of taekwondo masters in Maryland to spread hope and positivity through the martial art throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, taekwondo has helped so many in our state stay 'Maryland Strong,'" said Governor Hogan.

"Despite unprecedented challenges, taekwondo masters pioneered new ways to keep their martial art businesses alive, and set a powerful example for their students by demonstrating incredible resilience."

Hogan is a committed fan of the sport and has served as an honorary co-chair for the Maryland Governor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship since 2017, the proceeds of which support children battling cancer.