Event Overview

The prestigious 9th Haesung Women’s Giseong Competition kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony held at the Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu on the 18th of August. This year’s event witnessed the participation of 150 professional and amateur players, including prominent figures in the Go community.

Notable Guests and Activities

The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished attendees such as Dan Jae-wan, Chairman of Haesung Group, and Lee Chang-ho, a renowned 9th dan player. Other notable figures included Han Jong-jin and Lee Kwang-soon, presidents of the Korea Women’s Baduk Association.

As part of the festivities, participants created an acrostic poem video inspired by the name ‘Haesung.’ This interactive activity aimed to foster engagement among players, enhancing the celebratory spirit of the event.

Acknowledgments and Symbolism

During the event, Choi Jeong, the reigning champion, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The Haesung Women’s Giseongjeon is a special competition. While my performance has been strong, it is the support from the community that allows female players to showcase their talents.” She expressed optimism for this year’s tournament, anticipating thrilling matches.

Han Jong-jin highlighted the historical milestones in the Go community, hoping that the Haesung Women’s Giseong Competition, now in its ninth year, will solidify its legacy for generations to come.

Prize Awards and Future Events

The total prize pool for the competition is set at 50 million won, with 20 million awarded to the runner-up. Additional incentives were provided, including department store gift vouchers for participants who engaged in the acrostic poem activity, alongside other prizes like a Galaxy Tab S10+ and hotel vouchers awarded through a draw.

As the competition progresses, a total of 53 professionals will participate in preliminary rounds, scheduled for the 25th and 26th of August, where 20 players will qualify for the finals. Prominent players such as Choi Jeong, Smire, Kim Hye-min, and Kim Eun-ji will compete in the final stages of the tournament.

Key Dates and Broadcast Information

The finals will commence with round-of-24 tournaments followed by the final three matches, all of which will be streamed live on Go TV every Monday and Tuesday starting from September 8th at 7 p.m.

Conclusion

The 9th Haesung Women’s Giseong Competition not only celebrates the skills of female Go players but also aims to create lasting memories within the Go community, promising a series of exciting matches ahead.