Kim Shushun

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.

2.1. 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:

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.

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 kifu}^Japanese). 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.