Olympics aside, I think this issue speaks to all Martial Art Black Belt certification. Just as many other professions have standards of certification, and unions to protect the consumer (IE: Lawyer's Bar Association, Cerified Electricians and Plumbers, Licensed Doctors, etc.). This does not prevent all improper conduct, but it reduces the ability of a completely untrained, and unskilled individual from posing as a qualified professional, and provides penalties for those in violation of guidlines.
As to the Kukkiwon Certificates, I've heard some older Koreans say things like, "I was a Taekwondo Master before the W.T.F. was ever created, and before the Kukkiwon was built and established as the World Headquarters. Nobody in the W.T.F. taught me anything! What do I need a Kukkiwon Dan Certificate for?"
Well, in my opinion, they don't - - Unless they want the official authority to offer Kukkiwon certificates to their students, and future generations do need something to verify authenticity of the rank they claim, and credibility of the material they teach if they call it "Taekwondo." (Most of these older Koreans have the Kukkiwon certificate, they just want to make a point that they don't feel they need it.)
"What is the real deal for the Kukkiwon Certifications?"
"Why is it so important to have one?" To set a standard for the quality of instructors, athletic coaches, Olympic officials, and to verify to the public that the instruction material is authentic Taekwondo. It makes it harder for amateurs to buy a Black Belt, make their own computer certificates, and defraud the public
"What makes them so valuable?" Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art. The certification becomes more authentic, and less suspect, if it is issued by an international governing body in Korea - - "Kukkiwon Dan" vs. "Kinko's Dan" or "Crackerjack Dan." Joe Blow's Taekwondo Academy Black Belt certificate should not carry as much weight in the minds of the consumer, nor the mainstream Taekwondo experts as a Kukkiwon Dan rank."
"Does it really matter in America?" I think it is important. Can a person live, learn, and even teach without it? Yes, but I believe it is to our advantage to support a system that requires certification, and removal of credentials for those instructors who claim ranks they have not earned, are not trained and qualified to teach, or who abuse their position as an instructor. This is an area where all Taekwondo credentials needs improvement in the future - - like a international "Better Business Bureau" for Taekwondo schools everywhere.
This is my opinion on the subject.
CM D. J. Eisenhart