[Stones and Stories] The Era of Rivalry in Korean Women's Go

The top spot changes hands after 128 months. The number one ranking in Korean women's Go has shifted. For over a decade, the strongest player in Korean women's Go was Choi Jeong 9-dan. That wall was broken by Kim Eunji 9-dan. The Korea Baduk Association's August ranking announcement came as a shock to the Go community. Both the newcomer to the top and the one who held the position for so long naturally earn admiration.

Choi Jeong stepping down from the top spot is closely related to her recent slump. Especially significant was her shocking six consecutive losses at the Huanglongshi Cup World Women's Baduk Championship held in China last June. Like other sports, mental management is crucial in Go. Choi Jeong experienced the most painful season of her Go career. On the other hand, Kim Eunji, who was regarded as the future of Korean women's Go, solidified her position by winning steadily as expected.

The change in the number one ranking in Korean women's Go might have been an anticipated outcome. Go also has its prime years. Even the greats like Cho Hunhyun 9-dan and Lee Changho 9-dan eventually stepped down from the top spot. As one ages, experience accumulates, but in a 'battle of wits,' age can be a disadvantage compared to younger players. In the competitive dynamic between 27-year-old Choi Jeong and 17-year-old Kim Eunji, age is an undeniable variable.

Cho Jeong 9-dan (left in the photo) and Kim Eunji 9-dan participated in the final third game of the best female player decision match of the 2024 Dr.G Women's Go Championship held on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News.

So, can the relationship between Choi Jeong and Kim Eunji be likened to a setting sun and a rising sun? Considering only August 2024, this is not an incorrect analysis, but it is still too early to make a definitive statement. Choi Jeong's brilliant achievement as the only woman on Earth to reach the finals of a major world tournament where men and women compete is not something anyone can take lightly.

Kim Eunji has earned the title of number one in Korean women's Go, but she still has a long way to go. Adding more wins and increasing her trophy count in Go matches does not automatically create an aura. She must be regarded with awe by those nurturing their Go dreams worldwide.

However, there is no need for pessimism. Choi Jeong has guarded that position alone for the past ten years, but Kim Eunji has a great rival in Choi Jeong by her side. The more intense their rivalry becomes, the stronger the foundation of Korean women's Go will be.

Go, like life, is similar to a 100-meter sprint. Running 100 meters alone on an empty track might make it easy to be the winner, but one cannot expect cheers from others. On the other hand, competing fairly against an opponent under the watchful eyes of many and winning brings joy beyond words.

True praise from others does not come from the result itself but from the inspiration found in the process...

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.