Paek Hong-suk

2.1. Early Life and Professional Debut

Paek Hongsuk was born on August 13, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea. He became a professional Go player in August 2001, at the age of 15. He trained under the tutelage of Kwon Kap-yong, who holds the rank of 8-dan. Paek is officially affiliated with the Korea Baduk Association.

2.2. Career Highlights (2001-2011)

After his professional debut, Paek steadily climbed the ranks and began making his mark in various tournaments. In 2004, he participated in the Korean Baduk League and was promoted to 3-dan. The following year, 2005, saw him reach 4-dan and participate in the Samsung Fire Cup.

The year 2006 was particularly successful for Paek Hongsuk. He secured his first professional title by winning the SK Gas Cup, defeating Lee Yeong-gu 2-0 in the final. Also in 2006, he advanced to the semi-finals of the Samsung Fire Cup, where he was ultimately defeated 0-2 by the legendary Lee Chang-ho. With an impressive annual record of 54 wins and 16 losses, he was awarded both the Highest Winning Percentage Award and the Rookie of the Year Award at the Baduk Grand Prize. He also achieved a promotion to 5-dan in the same year.

In 2007, Paek reached the finals of the Wonik Cup Sibdan Cup, but lost 1-2 to An Choyoung, finishing as runner-up. He also made it to the semi-finals of the Electronic Land Cup King of Kings tournament and was a runner-up in the BC Card Cup Rookie King tournament and the Osram Korea Cup New Pro Strongest tournament. By 2008, he had reached 6-dan and became the challenger for the Kisung title, although he ultimately lost 1-2 to Park Yeong-hun. He also represented South Korea in the men's individual event at the 1st World Mind Sports Games, reaching the final tournament stage. He was promoted to 7-dan in 2009.

His strong performances continued into 2011, when he finished as runner-up in the KBS Baduk Wang Championship and the Asian TV Cup. His performance in the KBS Baduk Wang Championship led to his promotion to 8-dan. He also secured a runner-up finish in the Myungin Championship in the same year.

2.3. Breakthrough and World Titles (2012)

The year 2012 marked the pinnacle of Paek Hongsuk's career, as he achieved two international titles. He entered the 4th BC Card Cup World Baduk Championship as South Korea's last remaining participant after several strong compatriots, including Lee Sedol and Lee Chang-ho, were eliminated early. Paek demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating three consecutive rounds against formidable Chinese professionals. He defeated Niu Yu-tian, Zhou Ruiyang, and Hu Yaoyu in the latter stages of the tournament to reach the final.

In the final, held from May 12 to 17 with a one-day rest period, Paek faced Dang Yifei. After losing the first game, Paek mounted a stunning comeback, winning three consecutive games to clinch the championship with a 3-1 victory. His wins included two games with white (Games 2 and 4) and one with black (Game 3). Game 4, which he won by half a point with white, was described by Paek himself as the "luckiest and most poorly played" game of the final. Despite leading throughout the game, he played passively and allowed Dang to gain significant territory, even conceding ko fights comfortably. However, a final ko fight, though won by Dang, forced him to finish the ko, costing him one of his own territory points and leading to his half-point victory.

Later in 2012, Paek further solidified his status by winning the Asian TV Cup, defeating Kong Jie in the final. His achievements in the BC Card Cup and Asian TV Cup qualified him for the 9-dan rank. In 2012, he also reached the round of 16 in both the Bailing Aitou Cup World Go Open and the Samsung Fire Cup. He was also a runner-up in the KBS Baduk Wang Championship and the Myungin Championship that year.

2.4. Later Career and League Play

Following his world title victories in 2012, Paek continued to compete at a high level. In 2013, he reached the semi-finals of the Myungin Championship.

Paek Hongsuk has been an active participant in various Go leagues. He played in the Korean Baduk League for multiple teams:

• 2004: Bohae, with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses.
• 2005: Jeil Fire, with a record of 3 wins and 4 losses.
• 2007: Ulsan De-Ache, with a record of 9 wins and 5 losses.
• 2008: Ulsan De-Ache, with a record of 7 wins and 7 losses.
• 2009: Incheon Batoo, with a record of 8 wins and 4 losses.
• 2010: Posco ICT, with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses.
• 2011: Posco LED, with a record of 7 wins and 6 losses.
• 2012: Shinan Chunil Salt, with a record of 9 wins and 7 losses.

He also competed in the Chinese B-League:

• 2011: Hangzhou Go School team, with a record of 3 wins and 4 losses.
• 2012: Dezhou Changhe Yonghe team, with a record of 4 wins and 3 losses.

As of 2011, Paek maintained a favorable record against top player Lee Sedol, with 6 wins and 3 losses. In the Korean Go rankings, he was ranked 13th in both 2007 and 2008.

4.1. International Competitions

4.2. Domestic Competitions

4.3. Other Notable Achievements

Beyond his direct title wins and runner-up finishes, Paek Hongsuk has several other significant career milestones:

• Awards:**
  • Baduk Grand Prize (Highest Winning Percentage Award): 2006
  • Baduk Grand Prize (Rookie of the Year Award): 2006
• Semi-final Finishes:**
  • Samsung Fire Cup: Semi-finalist in 2006 and reached the round of 16 in 2012.
  • Electronic Land Cup King of Kings: Semi-finalist in 2007.
  • Myungin Championship: Semi-finalist in 2013.
• International Participation:**
  • 1st World Mind Sports Games (Men's Individual): Reached the final tournament stage in 2008.
  • Bailing Aitou Cup World Go Open: Reached the round of 16 in 2012.
• League Performance:**
  • Korean Baduk League: Participated from 2004 to 2012, achieving notable win-loss records for various teams.
  • Chinese B-League: Participated in 2011 (Hangzhou Go School) and 2012 (Dezhou Changhe Yonghe).
• Player Records:**
  • Maintained a favorable 6-3 record against Lee Sedol as of 2011.
  • Ranked 13th in the Korean Go player rankings in 2007 and 2008.