[Sudam (手談)] 'Field Commander' Seo Bong-su's Silver Youth

First to Achieve 1000 Wins 'Gochujang Baduk'
Epic Matches with Young Players Even at Age 70

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Who was the first to achieve 1000 wins in professional Go in Korea? Was it Cho Hunhyun 9-dan, known as a national treasure-level player? Or Lee Changho 9-dan, called the "Divine Hand"? The protagonist is a surprising(?) figure: Seo Bongsoo 9-dan, known as the "Field Commander." He was the first to set the great record of 1000 wins in 1994.

Seo Bongsoo is like the Don Quixote of the Korean Go world. Born in February 1953 in Daejeon, he started playing Go in middle school. He was introduced to the game through his father, who enjoyed playing Go at the local Go house. It was so-called self-taught Go by "learning over the shoulder."

In 1970, while attending Baemungo High School, Seo Bongsoo became a professional player at the age of 17. Compared to fellow players who started their professional careers since elementary school, his entry was relatively late. However, within less than two years of turning pro, Seo Bongsoo shook the Go world upside down.

Seo Bong-su 9-dan (right in the photo) playing Go with Cho Hun-hyun 9-dan.
[Photo by Korea Baduk Association]

In 1972, he defeated Cho Namchul 9-dan (then 8-dan), who was recognized as the top player of the time, in the Myungin (Meijin) title match and claimed the title. It was shocking at the time that a 2-dan professional (Seo Bongsoo) defeated an 8-dan (Cho Namchul) to win the championship. The Myungin title victory was even featured on the front page of a daily newspaper.

Most professional players emphasize solid joseki (opening sequences). In contrast, Seo Bongsoo values practical play. Although his style may seem somewhat clumsy, he is strong in matches. This is how Seo Bongsoo’s style was formed. In fact, during the era when Japanese-trained players dominated, Seo Bongsoo was a representative of "native Go." Nicknames such as "Gochujang Go," "Doenjang Go," "Field Commander," and "Native Fighter" reflect the warm, savory flavor of his character.

One person who cannot be left out when discussing Seo Bongsoo’s Go career is Cho Hunhyun. Both born in 1953, these two players are representative rivals in the Go world. Cho Hunhyun is a genius-type orthodox player, while Seo Bongsoo is a hardworking practical player. Although their Go styles differed, both were outstanding in skill.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the two led the so-called "Jo-Seo (Cho-Seo) era." Most titles were essentially contests between these two players. Cho Hunhyun often defended titles while Seo Bongsoo was the challenger. Their matches always carried a unique tension regardless of the outcome.

Seo Bongsoo, along with Cho Hunhyun, Lee Changho, and Yoo Changhyuk, led the renaissance of Korean Go. This was the era of the "Four Kings." However, compared to them, Seo Bongsoo’s results and star power were somewhat lacking. On the domestic stage, he struggled against the wall of Lee Changho. On the international stage, however, the fierceness of his "Gochujang Go" style was alive and well.

The highlight was the 1997 5th Jinro Cup World Baduk Championship. Representing Korea, Seo Bongsoo defeated nine players from China and Japan one after another, single-handedly leading Korea to victory. His nine consecutive wins in a national team competition set a record in the history of world Go. To players from China and Japan, Seo Bongsoo was pure terror.

The reason Seo Bongsoo’s Go career draws attention is not only because of his achievements. Seo Bongsoo is now 70 years old by Korean age. Though his hair is white and he looks vigorous, he still plays Go. And he plays against the top active players.

This Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), Seo Bongsoo played rapid games against five of Korea’s top-ranked young players, including Park Junghwan 9-dan and Kang Dongyun 9-dan. The games started with even play (hosun), and if he lost, the next game was played with a fixed handicap (jeongseon), and if he lost again, he played with a two-stone handicap (chisu gochi-gi).

Seo Bongsoo recorded 1 win and 4 losses, but the matches left a meaning beyond the results. His appearance of constantly challenging without being bound by authority, pride, or formality proves in the most dynamic way that in the era of 100-year lifespans, being in your 70s is still youth. Life should be like Seo Bongsoo’s...