[Stones and Stories] The "Baduk Three Kingdoms" That Made Park Bogum Smile

The Emotional Nongshim Cup Story from "Reply 1988"
November's Baduk Drama by the "Lee Chang-ho Kids"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] February 2005, Wangbaohe Hotel, Shanghai, China. The lonely footsteps of a man participating in the 6th Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Baduk Championship were captured. Lee Chang-ho 9-dan, a Korean professional Baduk player. He was alone.

On the other hand, there were many Chinese players. They appeared cheerful and friendly. The Chinese media also did not hide their excited expressions. They saw it as an opportunity to surpass Korea in the so-called "Baduk Three Kingdoms" national team competition.

This tournament features the top five players from each country competing in a winning streak format to determine the champion nation. Korea fielded Han Jong-jin 5-dan, Ahn Dal-hoon 6-dan, Yoo Chang-hyuk 9-dan, Choi Cheol-han 9-dan, and Lee Chang-ho. These were the players considered the best in Korea at the time. However, from Han Jong-jin to Choi Cheol-han, they suffered defeats against Chinese and Japanese players.

Professional Go player Lee Chang-ho 9-dan from Korea, who participated in the Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Baduk Championship (photo left). [Photo by Korea Baduk Association]

Korea was on the brink of defeat. Only one person, Lee Chang-ho, remained. Meanwhile, Japan had two players left, and China had three, giving them a comfortable lead over Korea. Korea could only win if Lee Chang-ho achieved five consecutive victories. The only fortunate thing was that Lee Chang-ho had secured one win in Busan before moving to Shanghai.

The skill level of the world's top Baduk players is separated by a thin sheet of paper. No matter how excellent someone's skill is, it is difficult to guarantee a winning streak. Moreover, the Shanghai matches were held daily from February 23 to 26.

Korea had to have only one player compete for four consecutive days. The match schedule was absolutely disadvantageous. The only thing left was a "miracle." There was a faint hope that Lee Chang-ho might create a miracle. Lee Chang-ho embarked on a historic journey in Shanghai that would be remembered in the history of world Baduk. With his characteristic stoic expression, he defeated his opponents. Chinese and Japanese players tore their hair out, tasting the bitterness of defeat.

The remaining match was the final game on February 26 between Lee Chang-ho and China's Wang Xi 5-dan. The completion of the miracle was within sight. Now it was China that was being chased. Lee Chang-ho won by resignation against Wang Xi. It was a moment of a great comeback victory, still considered one of the greatest scenes in Baduk history.

The emotion of that time was reenacted in an episode of the drama "Reply 1988." The drama adapted the 1995 event into a 1988 setting. However, it focused on realistically depicting the situation at the Shanghai hotel at that time. Lee Chang-ho's lonely footsteps were faithfully reenacted by Park Bo-gum, who played the genius Baduk player.

Park Bo-gum, with a stoic expression reminiscent of Lee Chang-ho, led Korea to victory in the world tournament and returned home in glory. The episode that brought a smile to Park Bo-gum's face is not just a memory of the past.

The 24th Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Baduk Championship Round 1 was held from the 11th to the 14th of this month. While China's Fan Ting-yu 9-dan led the early race with three consecutive wins, Korea's Kang Dong-yoon 9-dan stopped Fan Ting-yu's streak, concluding the round. Korea has four players remaining: Shin Jin-seo, Byun Sang-il, Park Jung-hwan, and Kang Dong-yoon. China also has four players left, and Japan has three.

Korea is the nation with the most Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup titles and the defending champion. Will the juniors who grew up watching Lee Chang-ho be able to protect Korea's Baduk pride? Round 2 will resume on the 25th of next month.

China's early momentum is formidable, but Korea's remaining players are also strong. A pride battle for the title of the strongest nation in the "Baduk Three Kingdoms." What will be the conclusion of the Baduk drama presented by the "Lee Chang-ho kids" who remember February 2005?