Lee Sedol "Go Prize Money 8 Billion Won... Now It's Much Less"

Former Go player Lee Sedol revealed that the prize money for winning is 8 billion won. Photo by MBC, captured from the 'Radio Star' broadcast.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Former Go player Lee Sedol revealed that he has won 8 billion won in prize money from Go tournaments alone.

On the 13th, the MBC variety show 'Radio Star' featured Lee Sedol along with idol girl group Oh My Girl's Hyojung, Bolbbalgan4's Ahn Ji-young, and Lee Guk-joo.

On the show, host Kim Gu-ra said, "Lee Sedol has earned 8 billion won in prize money throughout his Go career," adding, "Actually, compared to other sports, this amount is relatively small. It should be more."

In response, Lee Sedol said, "I don't have that much money now. A lot of time has passed, and since I got married and raised children, I have spent quite a bit," adding, "I am using the necessary expenses appropriately."

He further stated about his future plans, "I will only be involved in Go as a player. I am not interested in education or commentary."

Lee Sedol, a 9-dan professional, was born in 1983 and is 38 years old this year.

He became a professional at the age of 12 in 1995 and has won 50 titles, including 32 domestic tournament victories and 18 international tournament wins.

He retired from active professional play last November after submitting his resignation to the Korea Baduk Association.