Into the Solitary Cell of Pain

When one becomes deeply immersed in the game of Go, there comes a moment when they enter the "solitary cell of suffering." This is the result of becoming excessively absorbed in the competition. When the desire to win becomes overwhelming, one faces a moment where the boundaries of their humanity are tested. A chilling instinct, once hidden behind a calm expression, rears its head. When the desire to seize another's territory crosses the line of reason, the darker side of the self emerges. It is a face of oneself previously unknown. The player transforms into a ruthless competitor, pushing the opponent to the limit and launching brutal attacks. Even though it might seem natural to show mercy at the sight of a suffering opponent, the will to block even the smallest 1% chance of their survival leads to the most aggressive moves. The opponent struggles desperately, but ultimately cannot escape the player's grasp. If, in witnessing this, a subtle sense of pleasure arises, it is a sign that

2026.04.03 11:00

Politics as Solid as a Key Stone on the Go Board

A professional Go player proves themselves through results. Their record follows their name like a permanent tag. In particular, cumulative prize money is a badge of honor in a Go player’s career. In South Korea, only three individuals have surpassed 10 billion won in cumulative Go prize money. On February 6, Shin Jinseo, 9-dan, led Korea to victory at the Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Go Championship, joining the ranks of the “10 Billion Won Club.” According to GoRatings, a Go ranking website, Shin Jinseo has held the world’s number one ranking for eight consecutive years, from 2019 to 2026. When looking at this remarkable record, the first question that comes to mind is who the other two members of the 10 Billion Won Club are. Who first reached that milestone—a feat that requires years of global dominance? The first person to surpass 10 billion won was Lee Changho, 9-dan, once called the “God of Go.” Lee Changho is a living legend who maintained the number one spot for 16 consecutiv

2026.02.27 11:00

"Gatekeeper of Iron" Nie Weiping, 9-dan

The "Gatekeeper of Iron" has passed away. This refers to Chinese professional Go player Nie Weiping, 9-dan. For Korean Go fans, he is more familiar as Seob Wi-pyeong. On January 18, sorrow and regret filled the funeral hall in Beijing, China. It was a time to prepare for a farewell to an era. Legends of Go came to bid him farewell. Nie Weiping's friend of 50 years, Cho Hunhyun, 9-dan, was also present. "Let’s meet again in the next life and play another game of Go," Cho Hunhyun said in an interview with Chinese media, unable to hide his complicated feelings. Nie Weiping was one of the players who symbolized the golden age of global Go in the 1980s. In China, he was honored with the title "Qisheng" (Master of Go) and treated as a hero. In particular, his 11 consecutive victories in the China-Japan Super Go Series remain legendary to this day. The final match of the 1st Ing Cup is an unforgettable memory for us as well. After a fierce battle, Cho Hunhyun defeated Nie Weiping and brought

2026.01.23 13:00

The First Move of the New Year Is Self-Diagnosis

The turning of the year marks a new beginning. It is a time to leave behind the old and embrace the new. It is not just age that accumulates. Hope for life is also restored. There is anticipation that we can once again fill what is lacking. Imagining the sweetness of adding more is the reason we look forward to the new year. The start of a new year brings excitement because it gives everyone a chance to begin again. Only by filtering out the residue of tangled thoughts can we make room to recharge with newness. In the game of Go, the new year signifies the deepening of connections. It is a chance to quench the thirsts left unfulfilled in last year's matches. There are countless Go relationships one wishes to deepen. Precise endgames, the proper use of established patterns, well-structured openings, vital points in life-and-death situations, and brilliant moves that turn the tide... If we were to list everyone's wishes in Go, even a thousand moves might not suffice. Even when filled, th

2025.12.19 11:00

Only What Is Shaped with Heart Can Stand Strong

The saying that mindset determines the outcome is just as true in the game of Go. If you underestimate your opponent and approach the match carelessly, your net will be full of holes. You will not catch even a small fish, let alone a big one. Instead, you will struggle against your opponent’s counterattacks, and the tide will gradually turn against you. The belief that you can always turn things around prevents you from regaining your focus. When building territory along the edge, a two-space extension is appropriate, but if you recklessly extend by four spaces, your house does not become bigger, just weaker. The same applies when building in the corner. Placing stones broadly toward the center only invites your opponent into your own territory. Even when shaping a small bowl, you must put in your utmost care; if your mind is adrift as you play, how can your positions be solid? Your perspective narrows, and your judgment of the situation becomes flawed. Even worse is baseless optimism.

2025.11.14 11:22

The Sword Dance of Politics Remains as the Fingerprints of Life

The records of a Baduk (Go) game bear the fingerprints of life. They capture the stirrings of desire, the lingering traces of earnestness, and the marks of regret. Most of the time, one does not realize this when placing each stone. Only after many years have passed does one come to understand that a Baduk life is an accumulation of records engraved on the board. How unfortunate it is to realize this only after passing the twilight of one's Baduk journey. If one had known in advance that every breath and every gesture during a match carried its own story, would one not have acted differently? The reason professional players cherish their game records is that they allow for self-reflection. By simply retracing the records, one can vividly relive matches from decades ago. It is a process of recalling, in its entirety, the memories of building a house?laying the foundation of a new space, erecting pillars, stacking bricks, and placing the roof. Reunions with the past do not only bring smi

2025.10.10 11:28

Partners in Mutual Growth: The Pacemaker

The dictionary definition of a pacemaker is an athlete who sets the standard pace in events like marathons or cycling races. In record-based sports, the role of a pacemaker is crucial. They help maintain a steady pace from the start, providing support to ensure consistent performance. When someone is leading alone for an extended period, it becomes difficult to maintain their pace. They may become complacent, or conversely, feel rushed and anxious. It can even be hard to judge whether they are doing well or not. Sometimes, overpacing can ruin the entire competition. In such cases, having someone alongside as a motivator or a reference point can be incredibly reassuring. The meaning of pacemaker should not be reduced to someone who sacrifices for a specific individual. It also encompasses the idea of a colleague who joins forces to achieve a common goal. Just like in other sports, the game of Go also needs a pacemaker. In Korean women's Go, Choi Jeong, a 9-dan player, has long dominated

2025.08.29 11:19

Baduk Also Has Its Seasons

There is a kind of Baduk that moves with a lively rhythm. Its light and carefree moves make you hum without realizing it. When you let go of your burdens, all unnecessary things disappear. As your stones stretch out boldly, your opponent is left flustered. Those who set up clumsy traps are left in despair, only to see their own shortcomings. It is a game as fresh and vibrant as the energy of spring?soft yet strong. If one could continue to play such a game that brings a smile, wouldn't that be true happiness? There is also Baduk that feels as intense as the scorching sun. The fierce and blazing momentum can even evoke fear. The illusion of holding the world in your hands leads you into a state of ecstasy. However, excess leads to downfall. If you cannot control your own greed, the sharp blade of that unstoppable momentum will turn on yourself. There is also Baduk that exudes the tranquility of autumn. Like sitting comfortably in a rocking chair, savoring a rich coffee, and gazing at cl

2025.07.23 11:33

No Stone on the Go Board Is Meaningless

The history of a single game of Go is rich and profound. Looking back on the path taken, there are brilliant moves that turn the tide and decisive plays that secure victory, but there are also moves that leave behind regret and disappointment. Once the game ends, the stones left on the board are evaluated from a different perspective. However, the situation at the final destination does not reveal everything. In a world of binary outcomes, much remains unseen. Someone will win, and someone will lose, but if we focus only on the result, the story becomes one-dimensional. It becomes difficult to truly grasp the breath of dramatic stories comparable to history itself. Only those who can properly reflect on the journey can embrace the meaning of these hidden stories. No stone placed on the Go board is meaningless. Even a stone that seems insignificant on the board may once have served as part of a defensive wall or provided the clue for a decisive move. To become a true master, one must be

2025.06.18 11:21