1. Early Life and Background
Kim Shushun's early life was marked by his birth in Yokohama, Japan, and his subsequent upbringing which involved living alternately in South Korea and Japan due to his father's work. He holds Korean nationality.
1.1. Birth and Growth Process
Kim Shushun was born on January 24, 1979, in Yokohama, Japan. He acquired Korean nationality. Around the age of eight, he was introduced to the game of Go by his father, beginning his journey in the strategic board game.
1.2. Education and Early Training
Kim Shushun's formal Go training began in Korea during his middle school years, where he studied under Cho Sang-yeon for approximately one year. In 1992, he moved to Japan alongside Kim Kwang-sik to become an apprentice, or `insei`, under the tutelage of the celebrated Go master Cho Chikun. This period of intensive training prepared him for his professional career.
2. Professional Career
Kim Shushun's professional career began in 1996, marking his official entry into the competitive Go world. He has since progressed through the ranks, demonstrating consistent performance and dedication to the game.
2.1. Professional Debut and Affiliation
Kim Shushun made his professional debut in 1996. He is officially affiliated with the Nihon Ki-in's Tokyo Honin, one of the primary professional Go organizations in Japan. From the outset of his professional journey, he has been a devoted disciple of Cho Chikun 9 dan.
2.2. Promotion Record
Kim Shushun's progression through the professional Go ranks is as follows:
| Rank | Year of Promotion |
|---|---|
| 1 dan | 1996 |
| 2 dan | 1996 |
| 3 dan | 1997 |
| 4 dan | 1998 |
| 5 dan | 1999 |
| 6 dan | 2000 |
| 7 dan | 2002 |
| 8 dan | 2007 |
| 9 dan | 2018 |
3. Major Activities and Achievements
Throughout his career, Kim Shushun has participated in numerous major Go tournaments, achieving significant results and reaching several important milestones.
3.1. Tournament Results
Kim Shushun has a notable record in various professional Go tournaments:
- Shinjin-O**: He won the 30th Shinjin-O tournament in 2005, defeating Iyama Yuta 9 dan by a score of 2-0 in the final. This victory marked his first professional title.
- NEC Shun-Ei**: He was a runner-up in the 16th NEC Shun-Ei tournament in 2001, losing to Mizokami Tomochika in the final. Coincidentally, this final match took place on the same day his teacher, Cho Chikun, played in the final of the NEC Cup.
- Shin-Ei**: He achieved runner-up finishes in the Shin-Ei tournament for three consecutive years, from 2001 to 2003 (31st, 32nd, and 33rd editions).
- Kisei**: In 1997, he won the Kisei 2-dan section and advanced to the highest player decision tournament, where he was defeated by Rin Kaiho. In 1999, he won the Kisei 4-dan section and was a runner-up in the selection tournament.
- Ten-Gen**: In the 30th Ten-Gen tournament in 2004, he advanced to the challenger decision match after defeating his mentor, Cho Chikun, in the semi-final. However, he lost to Yamashita Keigo in the final challenger decision match. He also reached the best 4 in the Ten-Gen main tournament in 2007 and 2009, and again reached the challenger decision match in 2010, where he was defeated by Yuki Satoshi.
- Ryusei-sen**: He reached the best 4 in the Ryusei-sen tournament in 2008.
- Samsung Cup World Open**: He participated in the Samsung Cup World Open in 2006.
- Toyota & Denso Cup World Go Oza**: He participated in this international tournament in 2008.
- Meijin**: In 2011, he entered the 37th Meijin League, marking his first entry into one of Japan's "Big Three" Go leagues.
- JAL Shin-Ei Hayago**: He was a runner-up in the JAL Shin-Ei Hayago tournament in 2005.
- JT Cup Seiza Go Championship**: He won the Mizugameza (Aquarius) section of this championship in both 1998 and 1999.
3.2. Career Milestones
Beyond specific tournament results, Kim Shushun has achieved several significant career milestones:
- His victory in the Shinjin-O tournament in 2005 was his first professional title.
- In 2006, he achieved his 400th career game win.
- His promotion to 9 dan in October 2018 was based on accumulating 200 wins in eligible professional tournaments.
- His entry into the Meijin League in 2011 marked a significant achievement, as it was his first time participating in one of the three major Go leagues in Japan.
4. Publications
Kim Shushun has authored several Go strategy books, sharing his insights and techniques with other players:
- 10-Moku Tokusuru "Yawarakai" Semekata Igo-kan o Kaeru 6-tsu no Hosoku (Six Rules to Change Your Go Perspective: "Soft" Attacking Methods That Gain 10 Points), published by Mynavi in 2013.
- Kouritsu Yoku Ji o Kakou 4-tsu no Kihon (Four Basic Principles for Efficiently Enclosing Territory), published by Mynavi in 2015.
- Setsudan no Seiritsu Joken Teki no Jin-kei o Hakai Suru (Conditions for Establishing Cuts: Destroying the Opponent's Formation), published by Seibundo Shinkosha in 2015.
- Kateru Moyou no Tsukaikata: Ama no Machigaeyasui 4-tsu no Pointo (How to Use Winning Patterns: 4 Common Mistakes by Amateurs), published by Mynavi in 2016.
5. Awards and Honors
Kim Shushun has received recognition for his contributions and achievements in Go:
- Kido Award**: He was honored with the Rookie of the Year award in 2004.
- Kido Award**: In 2011, he received the Highest Winning Percentage award, achieving a winning rate of .774.
6. Evaluation and Analysis
Kim Shushun is regarded as a formidable player within the Go community, known for his distinct approach to the game and consistent performance across his career.
6.1. Playing Style
Kim Shushun is characterized by a "strong fighting style" (力強く戦っていく棋風Chikarazuyoku tatakatte iku kifuJapanese). This suggests an aggressive and confrontational approach to the game, often seeking direct engagements and complex tactical battles on the board. His style emphasizes power and direct confrontation, aiming to overpower opponents through strategic attacks and precise reading.
6.2. Career Assessment
Kim Shushun's career is marked by his steady ascent through the dan ranks, culminating in his promotion to 9 dan. His victory in the Shinjin-O tournament was a significant milestone, establishing him as a titleholder. His repeated strong performances in major tournaments, including multiple runner-up finishes and deep runs into the final stages of prestigious events like the Ten-Gen and Meijin leagues, underscore his consistent high-level play. His ability to defeat his teacher, Cho Chikun, in a major tournament semi-final demonstrates his capability to compete with the top players. His published works further contribute to the Go community by sharing his strategic insights. Overall, Kim Shushun has carved out a respectable and impactful career, contributing to the competitive landscape of professional Go in Japan.