Kookmin University’s Graduate School of Sports Industry and the Korea Athletic Trainers’ Association (KATA) held a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on July 15 in Room 309 on the 3rd floor of the Future Building at Kookmin University to foster professionals in the fields of sports medicine and rehabilitation.

The ceremony was moderated by Professor Jung Eun Na of Kookmin University’s Department of Sports Health and Rehabilitation and proceeded in the following order: opening remarks, introduction of distinguished guests, an overview of the MOU, the signing and exchange of the agreement, congratulatory speeches, and a commemorative photo session. Representing Kookmin University were Dean Lee Dae Taek of the Graduate School of Sports Industry, Chair Professor Lee Joo Hyung of the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program, and Professor Lee Hyun Wook. Representing the Korea Athletic Trainers’ Association were President Eo Eun-sil, Chairman Sung Ki-seok, Director of Education Bae Young-dae, and Deputy Secretary-General Sung Jeong-ha.

This agreement was established to contribute to the development of sports in South Korea by enabling both institutions to operate professional and systematic athlete trainer training programs based on mutual cooperation and to cultivate outstanding professionals.

The Korea Athletic Trainers’ Association (KATA), the nation’s first professional association for athletic trainers, operates a training program for athletic trainers (ATs). The association has graduated 61 cohorts to date through training courses totaling over 250 hours held twice a year. The program is highly regarded for its excellent educational quality, as it is led by a faculty of experts who hold the U.S. Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) certification.

Kookmin University plans to operate the MAT (Master of Athletic Trainer) program in collaboration with KATA, led by three professors from the Department of Sports Health and Rehabilitation who hold the U.S. Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) certification, along with faculty specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Students who complete the program and meet graduation requirements will be awarded the MAT designation, laying the foundation for cultivating professionals in the fields of sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Chairman Seong Ki-seok stated, “I find it deeply meaningful that through this agreement, we will not only foster the mutual development of both institutions but also establish a cooperative framework capable of cultivating outstanding professionals in the field of athletic training (AT).” Chairwoman Eo Eun-sil also stated, “We will actively cooperate in operating athlete management training programs, supporting students’ clinical placements, and in the field of rehabilitation training.” In response, Director Lee Dae Taek replied, “Through an excellent curriculum, we will do our utmost to advance not only the fields of sports medicine and rehabilitation but also the field of athletic training in Korea.”