he Executive Committee member of the International Olympic Committee Kim Un-yong is to run for the 8th presidency of the International Olympic Committee in April.

Kim, who concurrently serves as the chairman of the Korean Amateur Sports Association, said Saturday that he decided to run for the IOC presidency to revive the true Olympic spirit, which he said, has been gravely tainted by excessive commercialism.

He said his official announcement for the candidacy will be made in Monte Carlos, Monacco on April 3rd.

Prior to the announcement, Kim sent letters to IOC commissioners to solicit their support to allow him to serve the global sports organization after the incumbent IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch.