[Stones and Stories]The Maekjeom of Breakthrough Beyond Baduk

Maekjeom (脈點) in Baduk refers to the most effective move that looks ahead. Whether expanding influence or facing a life-or-death situation, the priority in breaking through (打開) is to find the maekjeom. It is the move that instantly takes control of the board and seizes the winning opportunity. Every player participating in a match strives to find the maekjeom at critical moments, but discovering it is no easy task.

It is common human psychology to be drawn to moves that further entangle a tangled Baduk game like a knotted skein of thread. One might consider it a maekjeom, but it often ends up as a self-inflicted mistake benefiting the opponent. Why do players easily fall into the trap of temptation at decisive moments? It is closely related to the breadth of their thinking. When focusing solely on escaping immediate difficulties, one’s vision naturally narrows.

Ultimately, playing moves far from the maekjeom and hastening one’s own defeat follows this logic. A game of Baduk is a process of endurance. The proverb that excessive greed leads to disaster is a lesson to always keep in mind. Even amid fierce storms, maintaining composure brings the wisdom to overcome difficult situations. Without mastering one’s mind, one falls into the swamp of helplessness, inevitably leading to catastrophe.

It is also forbidden to get excited just because one has approached the maekjeom. Even after placing a stone on the maekjeom, the game is not over. Although one has succeeded in gaining an advantageous position, one must continue to play the correct moves (正手) afterward to complete the desired Baduk shape.

The lesson of the maekjeom extends beyond Baduk and applies to politics as well. In January 2025, amid a chaotic political situation, will the ruling and opposition parties find the maekjeom for their desired breakthrough? Considering the reality overflowing with excited rhetoric, the outlook is not very bright. There are signs of losing one’s way by obsessing over immediate victories. It is time to reflect on why politics is called the art of dialogue and compromise.

If you regard those who think differently from you as enemies, the outcome will be unfortunate. The sharpened blade once used to attack opponents may soon be turned against oneself. If the dance of hatred runs rampant, the soil of the Republic of Korea’s community will only become barren. The damage will be passed directly to future generations. Should we leave such a world to our children?

By calmly catching your breath and examining your actions from the opponent’s perspective, you can approach the maekjeom to overcome difficulties. Politics is not something to be done only in the season when the severe cold of Daehan (大寒) blows. The path of politics must continue even in the season when forsythia and cherry blossoms bloom. It is true, living politics that enriches the soil of our community in a genuine sense.

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