The 72-year-old, who underwent a heart operation last year, has reportedly experienced health problems since attending the national team launch on July 19.

According to Yonhap, a KSOC official confirmed that Kim would not be attending the Games, which are due to begin next Friday (August 5).

It means he will be unable to observe an Olympics ahead of South Korea's own hosting of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang in 2018.

"Doctors have recommended that he not get on a long-haul flight, and he has decided not to travel to Rio for the Olympics,” the official claimed.

Kim was previously the Korean Olympic Committee President, but the organisation merged with the Korean Council of Sport for All (KOCOSA) in March.

The KOC oversaw elite sport in the country, while the KOCOSA looked after matters regarding the general population with responsibilities including promoting a healthy lifestyle.

In his absence, Kim’s fellow co-President Kang Young-joong is now due to make the trip to the Games, having initially not been due to travel.

It has been claimed that KSOC secretary general Cho Young-ho is due to serve as the interim President in the meantime.

Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu is acting as South Korea’s Chef de Mission for the Games.

Chung is taking part in both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games, while he will also represent the nation at other official functions during the Olympics.

Chung has lead the KFA since 2013, having previously been the commissioner of the K League, South Korea’s top domestic football league.

South Korea are to be represented by 204 athletes, 103 men and 101 women, in 24 sports at the Games.