[Deputy Director's Column] National Go Player Jo Hunhyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Go player Cho Hunhyun is a figure who cannot be described with just the word 'hero.' His nickname, 'Guksu (國手),' which refers to the highest master in Go, did not come about without reason.

Born in 1953 in Mokpo, Jeonnam, he was so talented in Go that he set the record as the youngest professional Go player in the world at the age of 9. After moving to Japan, he opened his eyes to Go under his master Segoe Kensaku. Segoe was a figure who changed the history of Go. He nurtured Cho Hunhyun from Korea and Oh Cheongwon, who dominated Japanese Go for 20 years.

The 1970s to 1990s were the era of Cho Hunhyun. His style was a fast-paced 'shiri Go' (pragmatic Go). His unpredictable 'shaking' was so powerful that it could break down the opponent player's 'solid fortress.' As Korea's first 9-dan Go player, Cho Hunhyun was an idol to Go enthusiasts.

The world's strongest player Lee Changho, who is respected by the Chinese, is a disciple of Cho Hunhyun. After the match with AI AlphaGo, Lee Sedol rose as a star, but Go lovers are still more familiar with the equation 'Go = Cho Hunhyun.'

Go values etiquette (禮) and the way (道). Those who fall into the temptation of trickery are subjects of ridicule. The more critical the match that decides victory or defeat, the more a true professional player strives not to lose the right path (正道). This is why Go is often compared to philosophy.

When Cho Hunhyun chose the path of politics, reactions were mixed. Some expected dignified politics. Did the Go legend Cho Hunhyun meet those expectations?

After being expelled from the Liberty Korea Party, Cho Hunhyun moved to the satellite party, the Future Korea Party. He was not disciplined for a major wrongdoing. He exploited a loophole in the law to change party affiliation while retaining his parliamentary seat. He is currently the Secretary-General of the Future Korea Party.

Article 88 of the Public Official Election Act prohibits candidates or speakers from campaigning for other parties. For example, it is illegal for a Liberty Korea Party candidate to ask voters to vote for themselves in the district and for the Future Korea Party in proportional representation. Once the election starts, disputes over illegal and illicit election campaigns are expected to be incessant.

The Future Korea Party is preparing a risky gamble. The Go legend responsible for the party's affairs presents a somewhat unfamiliar picture. Will the 'trick' chosen for immediate gain (securing seats) end in a success story? It may result in a few more seats, but in history, will it not remain merely a source of shame?