Badminton Star Kim Dong-moon Returns to Korea

Kim Dong-moon (photo), Korea’s top badminton star, temporarily came back to Korea a year after he left for Canada to study.

Kim left for Calgary, Canada early last year and returned to Korea last September for a short time to participate in Korea’s national sports competition. He arrived again in Korea last week and is scheduled to go back to Canada on October 18.

While in Korea, he will participate in a signing event held by the sports equipment company Yonex, his sponsor, and will attend the national sports competition in Gwangju.

Kim earned his doctoral degree from Wonkwang University and is preparing for post-doc work while studying English in University of Calgary. He said, “I’m happy to see my fellow badminton players again.”

Kim is also taking the lead in promoting badminton in Canada where the sport is not popular. He said, “I’m working as a coach at a local badminton club. It is a new sport in Canada and many people are taking interest. I can improve my English as well by teaching them as well as by studying at school.”

His wife, former badminton star Nah Kyung-min, who gave birth to a son in June, is staying in Canada. Having his first baby two years after his wedding, Kim named his son “Hanul.”

Kim and Nah won two gold medals in Olympics, setting a record of 70 consecutive wins in mixed doubles play match in international competitions, and 14 consecutive wins total in international events. He is willing to let his son play the same sport if he wants to.

“Prior to the Beijing Olympics, I want to come to Korea, and if there is any way I can help team Korea, I will. I think my experience and advice could help.”

kjs0123@donga.com