"Go player Cho Hun-hyun revealed the tournament with the highest prize money to date."
On the 15th, Cho appeared on TV Chosun's "Stomach Guest Heo Young-man's Go Journey."
That day, Heo Young-man headed to Mokpo, Cho's hometown. Cho said, "I was born in Mokpo and went to Seoul at the age of 5 to study Go," and regarding his appearance on "Go Journey," he noted, "I watch it often. On one hand, I had hoped that they would invite me, and when they called me, I was secretly happy."
Cho also mentioned the tournament with the highest prize money he had won. It was the 1st Ing Cup, held in Taiwan in 1989. Cho became the inaugural champion by winning the tournament.
Cho expressed, "At that time, there were no international tournaments. Since it was Taiwan, it was related to China, and Japan was the strongest back then," adding, "It was the tournament with the highest prize money, which was $400,000."
At that time, $400,000 equated to 270 million won, which was enough to buy three APT. apartments in Apgujeong, Seoul. Cho candidly remarked, "(About the $400,000) I was shaken. If I win, I'm number one in the world, and it's $400,000. I couldn't help but think, 'What should I spend it on, how should I use it?' If I had only not thought of that, I would have done my best; but if I hesitated slightly, it became disadvantageous. That's when I started to focus."
Heo Young-man mentioned the serious-looking photos of Cho. In response, Cho explained, "People say that on TV or in photos, they only capture tough images. It's inevitable because it's a competition where I risk my life; I can't smile. They only take those moments. So people say, 'That person looks tough; what a dirty impression.'" He added, "I'm actually a softer guy than people think."
Cho also spoke about having Lee Chang-ho, the subject of the movie "Victory," as his disciple, saying, "I went to Japan at the age of 10. Lee Chang-ho was also around 8 or 9," and he remarked, "It's quite strange. Usually, geniuses stand out immediately. But he doesn't show it. My nickname for him is 'old soul.' From the first move to the end, there is no movement. In that regard, he is unique."
Reflecting on the rivalry with Lee Chang-ho, he said, "At that time, I quit smoking, started hiking, and had more free time. Ironically, I ended up having more time. I became relaxed and thought about going up step by step. Conversely, Chang-ho took the opposite stance."
Cho Hun-hyun, who is still active as a Go player, explained, "There is no retirement age. I either retire myself or die. Until I retire, there are no age limits." On that day's broadcast, not only Cho but also his wife, Jeong Mi-hwa, appeared.
[Photo] Captured from TV Chosun broadcast screen.
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