Wednesday, October 31, 2007

An interview with Yoo Changhyuk, 9-dan

An interview with Yoo Changhyuk, 9-dan, from "Chungang Ilbo", one of the largest Korean newspapers.

We heard that you suggested a new system for Korean professional tournaments. Can you please describe it?
Yes, I think, that it’s necessary to change the current situation. There are lots of young players in Korea, who are not able to become professionals, because there are only few vacant places yearly. I think, it’s possible to allow them to take part in pro tournaments together with foreigners. They can make our tournaments much more interesting.

Currently there are 230 professionals in Korea. All of them are getting money from tournament sponsors, even if they lose in the first round. If you increase the number of players, the tournament income of each player will become smaller. Am I right?
Yes, of course. I suggest to give prizes only if you enter 1/64 stage. Most of professionals are getting money from teaching Go, so this decision will not be so painful for them. Older players will lose only $300-800 monthly, comparing to the current situation. I think, it's better to give more money to young players, so they can work harder and harder and compete well with Chinese players.

Will the Korean Baduk Association accept your idea?
It’s hard to say. I know that old players and even some younger players are against of it. I feel, that we cannot change the current situation without accepting this rule. It’s a pity that we are losing so many young and talented players, just become they cannot become professionals.

What can you tell us about your Go school?
Everything is fine. We are teaching kids together with Choi Kyubyeong, 9-dan and Kim Yeonghwan, 8-dan. I think, that I am getting stronger, because I play lot of games with strong students :)

We heard that some young Korean professionals are also studying in your school. Is it true?
Yes. Lee Youngkyu and Choi Wongyong are visiting our school daily. Park Yeunghun, 9-dan is also an often guest.

I have the last question, which is different. You lost your wife 3 years ago ( A.D: She died, because of her health becomes weaker after she gave birth to last child). Will you marry another woman?
(Yoo's faces is getting red) I don’t want to discuss this subject. I have two kids, 4 and 6 years old. They love me a lot.

Translated from korean by Alexander Dinerchtein

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why each time they ask him about it familly ?

It is clear it is personnal and he doesn't want to talk about it, so why keep asking ?

Helger said...

Can you please comment a bit on the new system for pros, and on the need for it?

Go news said...

No adding info about this...
But this suggested system may not be approved, so many pros stay wihtout some money...